An Old Year and A New Year

I've been overdue for one of these posts, with everyone else is writing them around me, but I'm a firm believer in "better late than never." So, without further ado, here it is! Late, but still very much accurate.

2011. Where do I even start?

I entered 2011 hopeful. The year before had been pretty much crappy, and I was really looking forward to turning things around in my life and taking control. Long story short, as most of you probably know, I have scoliosis. I went to see my spine Dr. in November of 2010 for my yearly visit (he happens to be out of state, which is just plain sad.) My dad had mentioned, and I knew he was serious, that this was going to be the last visit. And no kidding! I wasn't taking the treatment seriously. There are a lot of exercises and time involved, and 100% commitment to the regime is absolutely necessary if you want any positive results. After almost 3 years, I just wasn't doing it, hence the"last visit." But this time was different; something changed in me, and I decided it was time to take it seriously, and get fixing my spine. This was when the biggest challenge I faced last year began.

My first goal was to hit 90 days straight of faithfully doing the routine. I'd learned that every day I skipped would set me back 50% or more in my progress. For those first 90 days it was an inward battle of whether or not I should continue, or even if I could. I wasn't sure if I was capable of committing to this -- or anything, really -- or even why I should bother. [Quick note: My motivation for this is to continue dancing one day. I danced for 7 years and had to stop because of my spine.] During this time of being unsure of myself and my abilities, coupled with spending 4+ hours per day on my spine and a sudden explosion of everything I ever thought was true about myself, there wasn't much "fun" to keep me going. This is where writing comes in. And even more surprisingly, Write On!.

I joined the Write On! team (thank you, Authoress!) in early February 2011, when the site was brand, brand new. I was absolutely psyched about it. A site and forum just for teen writers that I get to help run? SO. THERE. This also came during a season of being lonely, in a sense. I'd just pulled myself out of some not-so-pretty relationships, and I was really wanting ... well, friends. Honest, dependable, awesome friends who would really be there for me. The last place I would have guessed I'd find them was online.

Surprise, surprise.

I "met" some of my favorite people ever in the year 2011, and I continue to be amazed by the internet and what it's capable of doing, and the people you're able to meet because of it. I'll admit to turning my nose up at those with "online friends" in the past. I've been slapped in the face, and well deserved! You guys at Write On! are so awesome there aren't words. And I'm just going to stop there or this will become an emotional gush instead of a blog post.

Similarly, Write On! (more specifically the people there) helped to renew my enthusiasm for writing itself, which served as an anchor for me during those first 90 days. I've always treasured "The Zone" (that place you disappear to when you're REALLY in to writing?), but never so much as at the end of a lousy day of spine-straightening. And the teens at Write On! were there to cheer me on and forward, providing motivation and encouragement where I needed it. I will happily credit the 2 novels I completed in the span of 6 months to everyone over there on the forums and in my Adium box. I'm not sure I would have done it without them.

So, if you haven't got the idea by now, Write On! (and writing in general) played a huge part in my year.

To finish my spine story, I did pass 90 days, with flying colors, and plodded on through the summer. 100 days was a celebration, then came 200 days, then 300, and then the awesome 365 days, which I just hit this autumn. During the year I really learned the importance of commitment, in every area of your life, and what it means to be dedicated and unwavering. I learned an invaluable lesson, through my spine stuff, about never giving up. And I can take that into any other area of my life. Writing, dancing, working, motherhood-- anything I want to do. It was a year of growing pains of all kinds, new friendships, overcoming obstacles, and seeing life through new eyes.

Now, here we are facing another year. It's currently Day 409 of my spine rehab, I just got a job (see earlier post), I'm working on a novel I'm head over heels in love with, anticipating the visit of one of the awesome Write On! teens (who just happens to be Constance), and generally excited about life. I will turn 18 this year, which means insurance and other such bills to pay-- no small thing. I'll be tackling my first ACT test(s) and getting my drivers license. There's a lot to look forward to, and a lot to conquer.

Bring it on.

What I hope for this year is that I continue to grow. I want to change and I want to change things around me, for the better. I want to write many more novels and send my first query letter. I want to read more and spend more time with my family. I want to meet new people, figure out what I want to do about college, and KILL that ACT score.

I did originally plan to write my resolutions list-like, but I kind of just summed them up in the paragraph above. I will, anyway, just for you list fans like myself. And also so I can cross them off throughout the year.

Now it's YOUR turn! If you've blogged about your resolutions or the new year, do post the link below. I'd love to read it. Or just shower the comment box with your hopes and dreams for the coming year, and what you learned last year.

Thank you for reading! From the bottom of my heart. Here's wishing you a magical new year!

MY 2012 RESOLUTIONS:

• Grow as a person
• Grow closer to God
• Send my first query letter
• Finish at least 2 novels
• Read at least 30 books (bare minimum)
• Make new friends and meet new people
• Forgive more
• Catch someone off-guard with a surprise present
• Get a decent score on my ACT
• Get my drivers license
• Tour at least one college campus
• Ride my bike more
• Spend more time with my family
• Pray every single day
• Spend much more time around the horses
• Re-watch all 3 Lord of the Rings movies
• Continue to straighten my spine
• Get an iPod touch / iPhone (haven't decided)

I was very tempted to stick "buy a car" on there, but I'm not so sure that'll happen.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!