2011 was a tough year. It started off difficult and remained that way right up until the December 31st. I shared some of it with you. As much as Inspired aims to be a daily escape for my readers, I think readers appreciate more than just the fluff. I have found that people relate to realness. So, if my struggles can help anyone else than I am more than happy to open up.
As bad as things may seem, there is always something positive thrown our way. What helps me is to try to focus on the positive. I recently read something about a man that struck a cord. Instead of saying, "I have to go to the grocery store," or "I have to take my son to basketball practice," he says, "I get to go the grocery store," etc.
How very lucky that we "get" to do these things no matter how mundane. Lucky that we are healthy enough. That we have another day here. Fortunate enough to be able to hug our kids, tell Mom we love her or make a friend laugh.
Here are a few small things that brightened some tough days and gave me reason to pause and give thanks.
Truly, there are so many little things when you really stop to think about it. Now it's your turn... what made your life a little sweeter in 2011?
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There's more to life than fashion indeed.
ReplyDeleteHow sweet of your blog friend to send you a bottle of nutella. You must have been delighted.
I so appreciate friends that listens, too.
Well first you are to be commended to being honest and shooting straight from the hip. I respect that, and do believe everyone has some kind of battle, sometimes big and sometimes very small. I truly hope 2012 is going to be not only a better year but a truly sensational year for you. I love your spirit, Debby. I also love that you are instead focusing on what IS good. Like you 2011, was not the greatest year for me either, happy to close that door.
ReplyDeleteBut I am grateful above all else for my health, my family, an amazing core group of phenomenal friends, being able to build my dream home, and the freedom of being an American and having the liberties that we do. (also in part thanks to our troops for allowing us to continue to enjoy those freedoms without interruption)!
So when we think about it..we do have a lot to be thankful for. Cheers to a wonderful 2012!
What a wonderful way to look at things...I get to do it....every now and then I am tempted to complain about spending my days with teens teaching high school...but in this day and age, I am blessed to have a job! I get to teach these great kids and watch them grow!! I think your blog deepens and becomes something personal and real when you share...everyone is going through something! You have done it beautifully and will encourage others to persevere and seek joy!!
ReplyDeleteHi D!
ReplyDeleteYes I know who I am and I haven't had any Nutella so far this year :)
Strangely, I am on a blog break and haven't read any in weeks but this morning I am up early and trying to be quiet so I just popped in here to see how you were doing and you slyly mentioned me, timing is everything.
You are such an inspiration. Congrat's on the Romantic Homes Magazine!! Can't wait.
Attitude is everything.
These are beautiful photos Debby...Im with ya sister....it was a pretty rough year! Heres to a new one, filled with many new positive experiences and memories:)
ReplyDeleteHugs!
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It's so good that you're able to stop at look back at all of the good things that happened amidst the hard times, Debby. Gorgeous post, photos and congrats on the Romantic Homes feature! Can't wait to see it! xoxo
ReplyDeleteA really sweet life ! So cute pics
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the feature Debby, can't wait to learn more about it!
ReplyDeleteLike you, my blog made a real difference to my life last year xoxo
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2011 was a tough year for me too. I tried to take joy in the little things (your blog being one of them!) and find one good thing in everyday. Things turned around. :)
ReplyDeleteFinding your blog at the very end of 2011 (thanks to Desire to Inspire) made my year a little sweeter. I'm already an addict!
ReplyDeleteSo true! As you mentioned above-the man saying I GET to do this or that, I was at a point last year where I adopted that same attitude of gratuity for the little things in life and I can safely say that during that time I was the happiest I have ever been. :)
ReplyDeletecongratulations on your daughter sweet 16 and son to college! I am gratitude for my friends, my followers, my family, my health and god guiding me through the best way... he has always kept me in balance and that is what I appreciate the most.
ReplyDeleteDebby-
ReplyDeleteThis is such a thoughtful post. We all do have these struggles and have to have something to look on to give us strength. I admire your courage and optimism. Things do get better.
I am so excited for you and your Romantic Homes piece. Can't wait to get a copy.
Teresa
xoxo
Congratulations on the upcoming Feature! I'm over the moon excited for you!! Can't wait to read it.
ReplyDeletePositive thinking, at times of life's unexpected detours can be difficult to do... BUT it is important during time to it! Our thoughts can really impact the outcome of things (it's all about energy)..positive energy WILL attract Positive energy/outcomes and negative energy WILL attract negative energy/outcomes.
My friend, you are an inspiration and wonderful light in BlogLand. I often go back and scroll through the photos you have shared and a smile can't help but form ... making the moment a little brighter.
To a Positive Filled 2012!! xo HHL
Oh Debby! You don't understand how much your blog inspires people in so many different ways. I come here always in awe at what you've created and how perfectly you've expressed in words and photos what I feel inside.
ReplyDeletebeautiful...swooning over here!
ReplyDelete2011 was a tough year for me too but I am lucky enough to be able to create my art and that I have a loving a supportive family. It don't get much better than that!
ReplyDeleteI too want you to know that your beautiful blog lifts my spirits each day and that is also I am lucky enough to have! Let's hope 2012 is much better for us all!
I love that "get to go/do" thing and I'm so changing the way I look at things. I went through a major health issue in 2011 and my husband was there by my side every step of the way. For that I'm thankful for because he said "we'll get through this" and we will together! Now because of your post I need a dose of sugar!
ReplyDeleteThis post is a feast for the eyes and soul. And how wonderful news about the Romantic Homes feature. You'll share it with us, won't you?
ReplyDeleteI'm thankful for so many things, good health, having roof over my head and food on the table, just to name the most important stuff. I'm also thankful for wonderful blog friends ;-)
Absolutely, we all love to know the "reality" of our virtual friends as only then do we realize who they really are. All of us love your blog, Debby, because of the YOU you put into it. It shows the love. Congratulations on your son's graduation and your little daughter's Sweet 16th. This is a HUGE accomplishment, my love. 2011 has been hideous for most of America, including me. A big huge disappointment from a (non)friend of years which left me holding the proverbial bag, moving AGAIN, the economy which has hit us all by now. Blogging gives me the air I need. It's our fluff time and all girls need fluff and air. Look up, Debby...look waaaaay up...I love you....
ReplyDeleteI think we all have so much to be grateful for if we just stop for a second and take things in. I love that you are focusing on the highlights of your year, even though it was a tough one overall. I have noticed that when you look back on your life there are definitely peaks and valleys and some flat roads as well. The peaks are somehow sweeter when we've hit a few valleys.
ReplyDeleteI was utterly overwhelmed by the support our family received this fall when our son had his accident. Both blog and real life friends were there to support us in ways I didn't even know I needed.
Most people are really remarkable. Sometimes you just have to let them show you.
Big hugs to you for a marvelous 2012!
xoxo Elizabeth
I am so thankful that you had some sweetness in your life to offset any bitter undertones that might have crept in with the trials of 2011. I hope that 2012 is filled with sweet moments, and that the road is a little easier.
ReplyDeleteMy life was sweet in 2011 especially the seven wonderful months that I got to spend in love with a beautiful man. Although that didn't have a happy end I am blessed to have had that kind of fairytale in my life. This year is about healing healthy sweetness and enjoying all the beauty that surrounds me every day.
GREAT post, Debby! My goal in 2012 is to be happy and positive no matter what. I've had a few minor curve balls this year already but in the scheme of things, who care? I'm not letting it get me down. Life is too short not to be enjoyed :)
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the best this year! Can't wait for the mag ♥
Debby! What a strong and courageous woman you are - and YES! readers DO appreciate more than fluff! Most of us, including myself - can relate to your recent challenges. It's those tough times that allow us (as women) to gain the peace and wisdom we feel as mid-life hits us. Facing fears head-on allows us to feel comfortable in our skin, confident and willing to share rather than with-hold our knowledge or compete. Life is full of surprises and just when we think we've nailed it, something happens. Those of us that step out of our comfort zone and follow our hearts grow by leaps and bounds. We are the ones that say look what I "get" to do rather than what I "have" to do, find goodness in the daily grind, and believe people are inherently good. Life is sweet and we blessed to be here talking about this today! Look at you .. look at your kids .. and look at what happens when you reach out to others. Stay strong, stay positive, and find joy in each day. :)
ReplyDeleteWOW. Debby dearest, it is through the REAL life that we all lead that we can connect. Thank you for always providing that loveliness with the realities. You are well-loved dearest! Anita
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of saying "I get to..." I'm definitely incorporating that into my daily routine. Congratulations on being featured in Romantic Homes! very exciting. My life was made sweeter thanks to my family and my fiance, and I find it getting sweeter every day. I hope 2012 brings you many sweet wishes.
ReplyDeleteI think I am going to start saying, "I get to..." I really like that :-)
ReplyDeleteI love that you're real...wish we lived closer! In the Jewish world we have an expression that says, "Everyone has a package, and if we would all put our packages into the middle of the table and have the choice to take someone else's, we would quickly grab back our own." I am continually inspired by your positive outlook and your desire to have the best life despite hardships!
ReplyDeleteThis is to having the best year ever!!
xo
Sharon
Great photos, love your blog!
ReplyDeleteHope you had a wonderful new year my dear!
Being positive and valuing what you do have is the answer to your happiness...When we linger on the things, the persons, the lifestyle we lost, we loose sight of what is really important, and it overshadows our growth...Best of luck Debby for this year, you get to shine !!!
ReplyDeleteAmazing post Debby. Thanks for being so real :)
ReplyDeletelovely photos ! they are really inspiring !
ReplyDeleteamazing post, and really great blog :)
What do you think, of following each other ?
xoxo
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you are soooo lovely! i hate to hear that 2011 wasn't the best- but love your ability to see the good in the everyday. {you little pollyanna!} what a good practice... one i try to live as well! xo
ReplyDeleteYou're so very positive, Debby. That's one of the things I love about reading your blog. You really are an inspirational woman. I hope 2012 is the best year ever for you!
ReplyDelete~ Clare x