Here's to a Messy Year!

I love that quote. It's from the movie version of "If I Stay," and I think it sums up my year perfectly. This year has felt... messy. And no, I'm not talking about the "science experiments" growing in my fridge, or the fact that the dust bunnies under my bed have probably mutated into dust zombunnies from endless inbreeding. I'm referring to those moments of sheer happiness mixed with those of  deepest despair, and there's been a lot of those this year. Yup. Like I said. Messy. But as the quote goes on to say, "That's the beauty of it, too." And it's true. It's those moments that lead to growth. I've learned so much about myself and others this year.

I've always known I wasn't perfect, but I'm finally starting to accept this fact and not beat myself up about it. For example, my kids didn't get to go anywhere "exciting" over Christmas break (apparently, three-day weekends at their grandparent's house in rural Ohio doesn't constitute "exciting"), and they've probably spent most of their break sitting in front of a screen. That doesn't make me a bad mom, just a busy one, who's also trying to save money so she can move her family to a better/safer area (when shootings in your neighborhood don't even make you bat an eyelid anymore, you know it's time to get the hell out of dodge). 

Along those lines, I've started to see people for who they really are and not the image they put forth on social networks or in every-day conversation. Friends and family might look like they've got it made, with all their quality-family-time photos on Facebook, and their I'm-blissfully-spending-time-with-the-love-of-my-life status updates, but more than likely, they're fighting their own battles; they're just different from mine.

Other things I've learned:

It takes a lot of energy to be angry and bitter; it's much easier just to let that sh*t go. It doesn't mean you forgive, just that person/situation isn't worth exerting that much energy over.
Pay people compliments. If you like a photo of them on Facebook or if you like the shirt they're wearing at work, let them know. Never underestimate the power of saying something nice to someone. So many of my days have gone from "eh" to amazing simply by someone complimenting my writing or appreciating the fact that I "went the extra mile" to try and help them at work.
Don't be afraid to try something new. I traveled by myself for the first time this year to Chicago to meet up with some writer friends, and it ended up being one of the most memorable trips of my life.
I'm sure there are other things this incredibly messy year has taught me, but I think those are the biggies. I have no clue what kind of year this new one will be, but I'm looking forward it and all it has to offer. Happy New Year!