The Year that was 2012

We’re four days into 2013 already and the one thing that I can say about the year that was 2012 is that it flew by in what seems like warp speed.  It honestly does not feel like that long ago that I was sitting here typing up a post about 2011 and thinking about what 2012 was going to bring.

My word for 210 was Adventure.  I think that in many ways I certainly lived up to my word and in others I maybe wasn’t adventurous enough.

Motherhood this past year has been an adventure of note.  I’ve seen my son go from a baby into a toddler in the blink of an eye.  Celebrating his first birthday and experiencing the unexpected emotions linked to this milestone hit me hard.  I’ve loved seeing my child begin to show the signs of the boy he is to become in the future.  A strong, independent yet gentle (most of the time altho I’m sure Saff and Jazz would disagree, he pats them slightly too enthusiastically still)  and wise soul.  As  a mother I’ve learnt that I am more patient than I give myself credit for.  I also acknowledge that I have plenty of growing to do as a mother.  I can only hope that my child will continue on this adventure called life and that together we will both grow and learn together.

On the work front I took a leap into the unknown and it’s worked out really well for me.  I started a great new job, which whilst stressful, challenges me and allows me the chance to connect with my Cape Town peeps due to my business travels to the Mother City.

I went on a serious adventure with my body.  As a result I find myself in love with my body again.  Having being pregnant and birthing Kade helped my relationship with my body in a big way but I also think that losing the weight that was holding me back has made me a different more confident person.  Not that I don’t still battle with my body but it’s literally like chalk and cheese.

My adventure in Spirit is on going.  I’ve grown closer to God in the past year but I yearn for more.  I daily have to make that connection with my Father in heaven and allow Him to guide me.  I don’t always get it right but I’m so grateful for His grace and mercy.  I look forward to growing in my relationship with Him more this year.

All in all 2012 has been a good year for me and my little family.  We are doing well and whilst there are area’s that we’d be happier with, we acknowledge how blessed and damn lucky we are.

There has been a lot of good in the year… A friend’s baby being born, adoption placements that have created families, a cousin’s wedding to the woman of his dreams, friends standing firm in their connection with me, my gorgeous man completing the 94.7 in a great time (3 hours 30 mins), family who is always there for us and my Kade…

The bad that has gone on is sad and tragic but I use the bad as a growth experience.  A way to see the great in my life.  To appreciate it all – even the bad times because in the blink of an eye it could all be gone.  A friend of mine had to say goodbye her son at 11.5 weeks old.  My uncle was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, my aunt is deteriorating from her emphysema faster than ever.  There is bad in the world.  There is no doubting that.  But in the face of adversity I believe it is about drawing close to He who sustains and relishing the moments that make the bad ones clear from your heart and memory.

I believe that 2013 is going to be a great year.  As all years it will have its ups and downs.  I’m excited and happy to be in this year though.

Good things, bad things, annoying things, great, amazing, heart-stopping things lay ahead – I for one am going to make the most of them.