Teenytinypieces is a year old this week.
Time has gone quickly. It has been a good year, for the most part. I admit that I’ve hopped on the dreaded and uncomfortable emotional roller coaster a time or two, but had sense enough to get off of it at the next platform. It has been a year of tremendous learning and growth.
In the picture, I’m playing a piano in the massive and beautiful lodge at Glacier National Park. I only remember two sweet, simple tunes from my childhood piano lessons … I giggled to myself as I played them both. A year ago, fear of judgement would’ve kept me from sitting on that piano bench, no matter how badly I might’ve wanted to play. Somehow, it’s a testament to my growth.
I’ve come to understand that for the most part, my life changes in direct proportion to my willingness to be changed.
Have you ever read a page, a quote, or a new idea that just caused you to stop and take a deep breath, and just say ‘Wow.” During the past 12 months, I’ve often felt like a small town girl going to a big city … standing in the middle of the street with my mouth hanging open. I had no idea how much I had to learn!
Here’s a list of some of my favorite “Wow” posts (in abc order … always the teacher) from some of my favorite blogs this year. Each caused me to stop and say “Wow!” Each caused me to think … each caused me to change.
- Chris Guillebeau ~ Taught me to say yes to everything (well, almost everything), and when something amazingly compelling comes along, to say “Hell yes!”
- Everett Bogue ~ Taught me that the list of material things I need is very short, and the list of experiences I need is unlimited.
- Jamie Ridler ~ Taught me the power of giving voice to my wishes, and of developing a creative, nurturing community for personal and community growth.
- John Sherry ~ Taught me to keep my chin up, keep smiling, and write from my heart.
- Katie Tallo ~ Taught me that I don’t need to be everything to everyone, and that I have the right to choose which hat to wear, and to switch it out when it no longer suits.
- Leo Babauta ~ Taught me to focus on what’s important, and to determine what I can accomplish each day. Many days, back to back, make a lifetime.
- Lisa Sonora Beam ~ Taught me that dreams really do come true. This post was written from her studio in Mexico, where she went to work on her amazing 1,008 paintings project.
- Seth Godin ~ Taught me to shut off my lizard brain, and the power of writing simply … that the message does not need to be laced with sequins and flashing lights. Simple is awesome!
- Susan Loughrin ~ Taught me to get over my fear that people will think I’m silly about the things I love … she validated the sense of wholeness and beauty I feel when I touch a soft scrap of yarn, listen to a sweet simple tune, or sense the prickly fragility of a pinecone.
- Tammy Strobel ~ Taught me that living small and simple is awesome, and that one person really can “create social change through creative living”.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank each of these writers. From the bottom of my heart, I thank each member of my family, each reader, each friend who has helped, encouraged, and given me direction this year.
Sending love and hugs to you all,
Take special good care,
