Inspired by a post from Sheila at A Living Family and, in the mode of annual reflection, here’s my look at the personal things that have transpired in one short year.
One year ago…
- I was unemployed, depending on state benefits. Since then, I have embarked on the journey of self-employment, hung up my shingle and attracted freelance graphic design and writing clients. I discovered that I love being my own boss. I also love having flexible hours that allow me to work around my daughter’s school schedule (or do laundry in the middle of the day!).
- I was mother to a placid kindergartener. Now, I’m mother to a restless and dynamic first grader, which has pushed me to grow in unexpected ways. In the past year, Sofie has learned to swim, ride a two-wheeler and read entire books on her own. She acquired four more adult teeth, donated her own money to charity and questions everything I do. I think I’m ready for the ride.
- This blog averaged 825 monthly page views and had less than 100 Facebook fans. Since then, I have grown Eco-Mothering to 15,575 monthly page views, 1,400+ Facebook fans and nearly 200 subscribers (plus Twitter and Pinterest followers). This is largely thanks to the support of blogging communities where I’ve connected with many wonderful moms, many who share my eco-minded interests. I’ve learned that working from home alone does not equal being alone.
- I knew nothing about WordPress, MailChimp, Feedburner, e-junkie or a hundred other technical programs and components that make my blog run. But I learned to access my techie mind (tiny as it may be) and acquired skills that allow me to stay connected with fans from around the world. Proof that forty-something dogs can learn new tricks.
- I was in a very different place with my husband of sixteen years. We’re since reached new levels of intimacy, vulnerability and acceptance that make me look forward to our next sixteen years together.
- I was planning to grow our family with a second child. When that didn’t come to fruition, I dealt with some sadness, but it also seemed to open up new possibilities. Now we could maintain Sofie’s private school tuition, travel abroad or renovate our home. I gave birth to my own creative business instead of a child, and I showered the child I already had with even more love and attention.
- I had dreams of being a published author. In 2013, those dreams were realized with three of my children’s pieces (You can read one of them here: “Disappearing Forests, Vanishing Owls”) AND a self-published eBook: The Guilt-Free Guide to Greening Your Holidays. The book was a study in discipline and confidence. It made publication seem more accessible, yet the deadline stress that manifested as an abscess on my back made me realize that I needed a crash course in self-care. Which I will definitely embark on before beginning my next book.
- I had never heard of the yellow-tailed woolly monkey. Last year, I used the endangered species as inspiration for Eek, my monkey puppet who educates kids about the environment. Creating these funny videos was also a great way to include my daughter in my work… and made her less likely to complain that I was always working on the computer. The kid-focused element of Eco-Mothering is something I hope to grow in 2014.
- Life seemed scarier. Likely this was a combination of being unemployed, wondering if a second child would be thrown into the mix, and not knowing where Sofie would go to school or how we’d all adapt to a new community. And while 2013 included many changes, my family flowed along with them easier than I expected.Actually, I think things are usually easier than expected—they only get all twisted and scary because of the anxieties and fears I project. Well, enough of that! Here’s to a fun-filled New Year that vibrates with calm, joy and abundance!
