What 2011 taught me.

I know, I know... yet another post on the blogosphere about the end of the year. But I've been thinking a lot about this year already coming to an end, what I experienced (good and bad), about what I learned during the past twelve months.

It seems like yesterday I was making my plans for 2011. Did I meet all my goals (and there were not plenty of them!) ? No. I'm okay with it though. Because I learned A LOT this year.

Thanks to Goddess Leonie 2012 workbook and planner, I realize that I have made some big accomplishments (in my opinion):

I opened my Etsy shop, Inner Worlds, pushed firmly but kindly by my Fearless painting guru and friend Connie. It was a huge step for me. Showing the world i was actually there, asking for money in exchange of my art (i do still struggle with this sometimes, to be honest). And i made over 20 sales (may not seem like a good number for you, but I was sure not to sell a thing when I started!).

In february, I followed my gut and the idea of a personal project I simply called "365-selfportraits challenge", i started it in march. And it taught me to see me differently, to gain perspective on how I perceive myself. Even if i did not fulfill it, I so love self-portraiture that i may start it over in 2012. I want to do it for my girls and will ask them if they are interested.
I may do a more general 365-picture a year in 2012, I don't know yet...

I learned that there is growth in very bad health news. That despite what people think, positive thinking and Reiki do help. Even with cancer.
I am now a Practical Reiki Master and I am fully engaged in my healing learning process, helping anyone who kindly ask.

2011 taught me to trust deeply, without a doubt, that everything is okay and will get better and better.

I learned to give my friendship, sometimes to give it back. Despite how hurt I could have been. To give second chances. But there won't be third chances though.

I learned that miracles DO exist. Now, the missing pieces in my family tree are coming together. It feels good not to be a secret ghost anymore.

I followed my guts, asked the Universe, and received. This is how I went to Seattle, twice, to attend workshops in Teesha Moore's Artfest Annex. The first was from Teesha herself, this is how I finally met two online friends: Violette and Kym. Both were true life-changing experiences. I bloomed as an artist.

This painting was done during Flora Bowley's workshop and means a lot to me. I look at wondering how on Earth I could have painted it. Me. It is now hung on our wall, so I see it everytime I open the door.

Lots of my personal symbols. My heart is in there. Even with any Nixie lol

I just love the imperfections that fill it, me the perfectionist Virgo...

I am kinda back to writing, my first love. This book is still nesting in me, words wanting to go out but struggling because I keep them safely inside. I know I should not. And may 2012 be the year when they finally go out. For now, I am just sharing the stories my Nixies are whispering to me while I am giving birth to them.

2011 was tough. But eye and heart opening. And this is with a big THANK YOU that I let this year go to welcome 2012 in a few hours now.

I wish you all a wonderful new year.