Goodbye 2011 and Welcome 2012

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Is it just me or did 2011 go by at a rapid pace?  It seems like yesterday (um, maybe more like last week) that we were sitting around writing New Year's Resolutions for 2011.  In trying to decide 2012's resolutions, I've spent a lot of time thinking about 2011, what went well, what went wrong, and what could have been better.

2011 was a tough year for me in so many ways.  It was tough professionally (I was promoted and took on a heck of a lot more responsibility), it was tough physically, emotionally, financially, you name it.  It seemed like the entire year was an uphill struggle.  They say that how you ring in the New Year is a precursor to how you will spend the entire year.  Last year, I worked 5pm - 5am at a CRAZY New Year's Eve party, and I thought that meant the next year would be filled with prosperity and opportunity.  Looking back though, it was really filled with struggle.

With all of that said, 2011 did have some great moments...as I mentioned earlier, I was promoted at work, so I was fortunate enough to plan some really cool and meaningful events for my clients.  My sister got married in September, and had the privilege of helping her with the planning and enjoying all the great festivities, especially her bachelorette party at the beach!

Last year was also a huge learning experience for me.  I learned to push myself farther mentally and physically than I thought I could go, but I also learned that it is okay to ask for help.  I learned that it is okay to say "I don't know" and "I'm sorry, I made a mistake."  I've learned that I have such great friends in my life that have been amazingly supportive, and I learned that I have to invest time and energy in those relationships for them to continue to grow.  I learned that you don't always have to work harder and longer than everyone else and to know when to say "I've had enough." I've learned that sometimes its worth taking a risk to make a difference in someone's life.

So, what about 2012? This year, I want to spend more time taking care of me.  Meaning, I want to make time to take of my body and my health.  I want to make my needs a priority instead of always myself on the back-burner.  I want to take time for breaks when I need them and take time to refresh without feeling guilty for not burning the midnight oil.  I want to live with boundaries so that my yes's are with my whole heart and my no's are because it is not the best decision for me. The number 12 is supposed to be the number of order, and I think for me, 2012, will be about getting things in my life in the best order for me and my success.

It's time to lay 2011 to rest and say hello to 2012.  I'm ready for a new year and a new start.

Happy New Year!

Pinterest

Image found here

Are you as addicted as I am?  I'm pretty sure Pinterest took over my entire holiday weekend!  Oh well, maybe I'll get those Christmas decorations put up next weekend.  In the mean time, follow my pins here.

H&M Holiday Finds

For years H&M has been one of my all-time favorite stores.  The only problem was, we don't have one in this part of Alabama, and for the longest, their items were not available for purchase online.  Well, times have changed and H&M is now among one of my favorite online perusees.  Here are some of my favs from their current collections...

H&M Holiday Finds by leahbhill featuring a leather handbag

H M pocket dress
£25 - hm.com

H M smocked dress
£20 - hm.com

H M pleated skirt
£40 - hm.com

H M silk pleated skirt
£70 - hm.com

H&M wingtip shoes
£25 - hm.com

H M leather clutch handbag
£15 - hm.com

H M leather handbag
£20 - hm.com

H&M metal earrings
£3.99 - hm.com

2011 Gift Guide

I'm not sure if it's the Christmas Parties I am planning at work or if I'm just in the mood, but I cannot wait ONE MORE DAY for the holidays!  I'm not talking about Christmas Day necessarily, I just mean the Holiday Season in general.  It's been a pretty tough year here, so maybe it's just my heart's way of saying "We've made it through this year, now let's celebrate and begin another year with a fresh start."

This is the week of Thanksgiving, so I'm officially declaring it the holidays!  I am usually quite strict about no Christmas music or holiday gift considering until after Thanksgiving Day (the office start of the holiday season), but it's close enough.

So, with it officially the holiday season now, let's get started on those gifts!  I remember this gift guide last year, but I didn't really pay it much attention. But when I stumbled across it again this year, I new I had to give it a second look.  This is one of best gift guides I've seen! All the gifts are super cute and unique while staying very kind to the holiday budget (I mean who likes a gift guide that is so out of your price range that is is almost comical?!).

Set aside some time and study this years Gifted Magazine Holiday Gift Guide 2011.  And when you see an adorable gift, but not exactly sure who you should buy it for, feel free to think of me (I'm just sayin').

Open publication - Free publishing - More christmas

Kick the Door In

Need some Monday Motivation? Let me offer this.  I stumbled across this blog post from a High School friend of mine.  It is a letter that he wrote to his college self about being strong, persevering, pressing forward, and kicking the door in.  Check it out...

Kick the Door In

Hope you had a great Monday!