2012 has some of the worst memories of my life and will never be a year i look upon fondly. but while we’re still in the beginning of this new year, i wanted to take a little time to appreciate and share some of 2012’s better moments and some of the life changes i made that i’m proud of.
our just-because trip to dc in february was my first time in our nation’s capitol city. (and to say i loved it there is a gross understatement.)
in 2012, i got a little more adventurous with my hair.
in july, i got a gorgeous new bicycle and now feel confident being on the road with cars. (not going to lie, that first ride home from the bike shop was really scary when i had to join traffic on one of the city’s main roads.)
in march, i rescued a baby duck who was wandering frantically in the road. i hope he survived after i took him to a nearby creek where ducks are known to gather; i remember feeling so helpless as he bobbed off into the dark night, tiny and alone.
this little calico continued to bring happiness into our lives every day, even during our saddest times.
in 2012
+ i began taking vitamins and supplements every day.
+ i started making yoga part of my daily routine.
+ i began to practice meditation.
+ i came out as an atheist, found a supportive atheist community on twitter, and attended a local atheist meetup.
+ i voted for president barack obama.
+ i wrote a letter to a church.
+ i sent a message to a gay man i knew in college to apologize for something offensive i’d said to him in my homophobic days.
+ i recommitted to juicing at least once a day.
+ i went to the dermatologist and had my first little surgery, the removal of a “suspicious” mole on my back – a procedure i’d put off for two years.
+ i went to the dentist for the first time in eight years.
+ i quit a job that was doing much more harm than good in my life.
+ i traveled two states farther west than i’d ever been and saw the sun set over the ocean for the first time.
+ i discovered essential oils, ditched my stupid petroleum-based lotions, and began creating my own body moisturizer.
+ i rekindled my love of playing the piano, vowing to practice it every day.
if you haven’t taken time to commemorate the good stuff in your last year, i highly recommend it. there might be more than you think.
fiery skull diaries 
Great photos and great reflections! I wasn’t a huge fan of 2012 either…but it’s amazing when you take the time to look back to see what good things actually did happen, and what awesome things you did accomplish. Cheers to 2013!
thank you! i know you had a hard year too. <3
Ok, now I feel somewhat like sh*t after reading your list. Yoga, meditation, your own moisturizer, juicing! I really should step up my game in 2013.:)
P.S.: Congrats on quitting your job, I know that takes A LOT of courage.
haha, thank you! you can do it. good luck! :]
It’s so easy to hold on to the negative feelings and memories of the past, but this is such a positive list! After all you’ve been through this past year, you’ve done so much good for yourself and the world! Heart you big time.
heart you bigger time.
have i been living in a hole? I didn’t realise you were practicing yoga? Yay for yoga. I know 2012 was hard, but it’s so nice that you’re able to see the bright side!
you may live in a hole, but i don’t think i’ve mentioned yoga before, so the two are probably unrelated. :]
i wish we could do yoga together, though; i could use an expert’s help!
I love your hair! I think it’s a good thing to try and look back at the positive things. I think we’re all programed to focus on the negatives, which does nothing but harm us! Here’s hoping for an awesome 2013!
thank you. :]