2012 year in review: i received a bachelor's degree in life's challenges + a master's in faith

Happy New Year, Loves! Did you welcome in 2013 in with a bang? Grab a cup of coffee and some Tylenol, and I'd love for you to journey back with me to what can only be labeled as a roller coaster year for Inspired. Crazy crazy year. 

If someone had told me last New Year's Eve what was going to happen in my life in 2012, I would have shaken my head in disbelief - and trust me, you are getting the sugar-coated version of most of it. I know it's cliché, but I do believe that life does not give us more than we can handle, and with each experience, especially the negative ones, the universe is trying to teach us something we need to learn.

In creating this post, I was able to look at the entire past year in retrospect. What I realized is that faith got me through the most nightmarish events. In one blog post I said, "The bad things that happen during our day are easy to spot. It's the good things we need to look for and cherish no matter how small they are." Amen. I will be bringing this mantra into 2013. 

Here are some highlights of what took place on Inspired this past year. Some of you were here through the highs and the lows, and again, I thank you for your support, daily visits, and uplifting emails when I needed them most. You all inspire me and make me want to continue my blogging journey. To any new readers: Welcome! I'm honored that you have taken the time to visit. 

January started out quiet. My favorite post was, Things I Tell My Teenage Daughter. The most important message I can give my children is, "There is nothing you can ever do that would make me stop loving you." I believe they know this deep in their guts. I think as humans, we all carry an unrelenting need, deep down in our bones, to know we are loved unconditionally with no exceptions.

In February, I was featured in, Romantic Homes Magazine, annual Valentine's series, The Romantics.
This was a big thrill for me to be asked! Ironically, it was shortly after filing for divorce, that I was emailed by the editor. What would I write? I didn't want to be hypocritical. Upon reflection, I realized: We grow up thinking we can't have romance in our lives unless Prince Charming comes trotting along on his white horse. I've realized that you don't need a prince, or necessarily even a partner, to have romance in your day-to-day life. You can woo yourself, and in doing so you are loving yourself and confirming you are worthy of living the best-quality life you can create.

March brought some introspect with the post,  A Very Special Person. It all began with this quote:  “Looking back you realize that a very special person passed briefly through your life- and it was you. It is not too late to find that person again.”

When we put everyone else's needs first, eventually we lose touch with who we are and don't even recognize what our own needs are. The lesson I learned in March was: the only one responsible for my happiness is moi.

April bought Spring Fever and a lot of gorgeous wedding inspiration. From a Parisian wedding, complete with striped bridesmaid dresses, and a macaron tower, to a wedding set in a dream-like Origami Heaven, to a New England stunner set in Cape Cod. 

Origami Heaven

Cape Cod Soiree

May, of course, is Mother's Day, and I was honored to have been featured in House of Fifty Magazine's feature about mothering daughters. We even staged a fun photo shoot for the editorial - it was a blast. It's always a good day for balloons! Balloons are instant happiness, disguised in candy-colored-rubber helium. Yes, please!

June brought unexpected violence and a brutal assault on a loved one.  Witnessing a violent act, or being the target of violence, changes you forever. It takes away your sense of security, dignity, and wakes you up in the middle of the night, drenched in a cold sweat, with heart-pounding-fear, for months to years afterwards. It steals the innocence of children, the ability to trust, and can completely kill your spirit, if you let it.

In July, I founded, The Project Strength Foundation, a foundation whose intent is to raise awareness about domestic abuse, it's tagline is: because love should never hurt. Violence, control or bullying of any kind, is not love. Domestic abuse is still not talked about. Families exposed to cruelty, fear the stigma attached with abuse. I believe that by speaking out, we can help empower women and their children to take their power back and reclaim their lives. There is no strength in silence.

I plan on devoting some time to Project Strength Foundation in 2013. If I can even help one person, then it will be so worth it.

Just when I thought life couldn't get any crazier, I developed a blood clot! Seriously?! Good Lord. A sense of humor and support from family and friends made it manageable. Turns out it's a genetic clotting disorder - Who knew? 

August continued to bring on one challenge after another. I think Confucius got it exactly just right, in the above quote. My August lesson learned? Dust yourself off. Stand up - hold your head high. Dignity and grace are ours for the taking, (after a meltdown, of course).

September was filled with finding humor in everyday situations. One of the things I've been grateful for this past year, has been my sense of humor. It has carried me through many crazy situations. The day I can't laugh at myself, or at life, is the day I'm officially a bore. No thanks.

October, if anything, proved to me good exists in people, and in the world. It confirmed my faith that everything is worked out for our own good, and within God's timing. He never abandons us, and he wants us to live a joyful life.

November was a fun month. I kicked off my travel series in Nantucket at, The Nantucket Hotel. Logan came along, and we were able to sneak in a late night walk. The weather was unseasonably warm, and the cobblestone streets and quaint historic buildings, were illuminated by the street lamps. It was dream-like. It was a fully-living-in-the-moment experience. 

From there we ventured to, The White Elephant Hotel, an intoxicating mix of charm and sophistication. We were treated like royalty and surprised with champagne and fresh, ripe, strawberries, that were accompanied with rich whipped cream.  We followed up with a delightful massage at the spa and plushy robes. Like, I said, it was a good month. 

November continued to confirm my belief that God is looking out for the kids and I. My son and I even witnessed a mini miracle. 

Early December I escaped with a girlfriend for my travel series and had the pleasure of reviewing, The Chatham Bars Inn, in Cape Cod. Seeing the grand ole' dame all decked out in holiday décor was a treat.

The remainder of December was spent working, (retail + the holiday season = nightmare), putting up Christmas décor, shopping, and decidedly, refusing to get caught up in the seasonal stress that wants to consume us. How many blondes does it take to drag a 12 foot Christmas tree up from the basement? Just one, very determined blonde. I'm living proof.

December, yet again, had many faith filled moments. Life is filled with angels who watch keep over us, sometimes it's your  best friend, sitting right next to you.

I'd like to wish you all a exciting 2013 filled with many adventures!! What lessons did 2012 teach you? Are you changed because of them?