Choose one word.
Choose one word. Encapsulate the year 2011 in one word. Explain why. Imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2012 for you?
2011: I always thought 2011 would be a year of change for me. I got married in the beginning of the year, planned to find a new job, pay off my credit cards — come out of the year feeling like a new and improved version of myself. While that didn’t all exactly happen according to plan, I think the word of 2011 for me is commitment. I married the absolute love of my life in a ceremony that we pledged to support our wild dreams, and a few months later — because we don’t like to have downtime — I committed to my husband’s biggest dream. One that will cause us to possibly sell the home we’ve lived in for less than three years, move away from our families, and become the breadwinner while my husband goes to back to school to pursue his career goals. It seems over half our year has been about daydreaming, planning with one another, and realizing that we have to take the plunge and do this - commit to a better future for us and our family.
Then there was my writing. I’ve been lucky enough to dive into several new projects with different people, and sort of put myself out there. This year, I’ve realized how passion solidifies our commitments, even if there is no pay or no immediate “fame”. You know what? It’s made me happy, so much happier than I’ve been in forever. Maybe I’ll still be a writer someday like I always wanted to be. I know I just have to keep at it.
2012: The next year is going to be a challenge for me. Figuring out if we will be moving, how we will sell our house, what kind of job I am going to get, and figuring out just how I am going to cut down my shopping habit because I am going to be supporting a household for the first time in my life. It’s a scary place to be, but I think the time has come for me to grow up in other ways and kick this challenge’s ass. If I can do this, I can do anything. Plus succeeding means showing my husband support and ensuring his own success. I can’t even begin to think about moving away from my friends and family because it will be so hard. Honestly, the thing I am most afraid of. Than even my credit card bills. I have been so used to having those I love so close to me, even if I don’t live in the same town as them… being many states away will be quite an adjustment for everyone. But going back to that first word - commitment - we are ready to make a change for our family and I know we are only stronger together.
Red Velvet and I are participating in WEverb11. We think you should too!
