Looking Back and Counting Blessings
Jan 2nd, 08 | 7 remarksYesterday was the official first birthday of Design Adaptations. Though I didn’t start consistently blogging until March, I made my very first entry on this blog January 1, 2007… and the year went by so fast it’s hard for me to believe. On the other hand it seems like a looong time ago.
While most people make resolutions and look to the future, I’m one of those who reflect on the past. I think so few of us take time to look at our accomplishments and pat ourselves on the back. I know I don’t. I’m more of a “oh that could be better“, or “I wish I knew more” kind of person. When I start to ridicule myself, John says “look how far you’ve come“, and “look at all you’ve learned“.
He’s a wonderful reminder of positive things, so I’m behaving out of character today to share some of them with you…
- DA currently has 133 posts, 659 comments, and 153 pingbacks, contained within 10 categories and 188 tags. (Whew! I really should pare those down). Akismet has protected this site from 17,102 spam comments. (Amazing! Some people just don’t get it.)
- I’ve released three free Wordpress themes, one premium theme (all terrific learning experiences) and redesigned this site four times! I’ve also been fortunate in meeting many smart and witty people through blogging, some of which became trusted friends.
- We celebrated another first last June - our daughter turned 1 year old! She’s a beautiful, ever watchful toddler now and into EVERYTHING! :) Our son started 3rd grade and for the first time really loves his homeroom teacher. He’s struggled with Math since 1st grade but finally started grasping the concepts last year without a lot of tears and frustration.
- My mom etched out her 5th year as a breast cancer survivor, my step-dad was promoted to president of the company he’s been working for the past 26 years, and I’ve finally convinced John that he CAN sit down and relax without twitching (he’s a workaholic).
- I bought my first Mac and I haven’t been sorry. I should’ve made the switch years ago. It’s a screaming fast, beautiful machine and I love how it has changed my work-flow. :)
In short, it’s been a good year. I’m thankful for the things I’ve been given and for the things I’ve earned. I wish you all health, happiness and success in the new year. Thanks for reading!
Hurrah! Congrats on making it to one year! What an accomplisment. I’ve been catching up on some reading I missed over the holidays and so many are promoting positive thinking rather than guilty (”it could be better” “shoulda done this”). I hate new years resolutions, so these were a refreshing change. Build on your successes and you’ll just shine! Glad to have you around, Charity. Keep up the good work!
(Psst… your link to Brian has an extra “s” on the end!)
Jan 2, 08 | 11:34 amCharity - I am so glad you decided to start blogging - and that we connected as a result. 2008 will be even more fabulous than 2007 - here’s to even more success.
Jan 2, 08 | 1:05 pmGood catch Lauren and thanks for the links! The one at emoms stood out for me in particular… although tough questions to answer. ;) My state of mind has not exactly been productive lately, but then that’s what makes Wendy’s list so useful.
@Char - Ditto! And even though I’m in a slump right now I’m sincerely looking forward to another year. I can’t imagine NOT blogging. :) I wouldn’t know what to do with myself otherwise!
Jan 2, 08 | 1:17 pmI agree with you Charity, an example that always comes to mind about the topic of reflection is when we set ourselves goals. If someone completed 5/6 of their weekly goal, what do they do? Be satisfied with the completition of 5/6 or worry about the one that got away.
Its unfortunate but we often worry about the one that got away. I am guilty of this myself as well. :(
Congrats on the blogging success. ^_^
Jan 2, 08 | 4:27 pmBeing positive is important. Don’t feel pressured if you haven’t achieve your goals. Learn from your past; for a better and clearer future. I wish you more success to come for this year and I’m looking forward for more interesting topics in your blog.
Jan 3, 08 | 11:43 pm@Daniel - you have a really good point there, and I do the same thing. I need to work on that… but there is some satisfaction that comes with knowing I’m not the only one who does that. ;)
@Mark - focusing on the positive is really hard sometimes. I think it’s one of those things that requires a lot of perseverance and self-reminders. Thanks for stopping in and good luck with your new blog!
Jan 4, 08 | 11:32 amCharity, congrats on all that you’ve done in 2007, and set your sights on 2008! Only bigger and better things to come! ;)
Jan 4, 08 | 11:06 pm