Dear 2011,

I can’t believe it’s already the end of another year, time passes quicker and quicker these days! But, ya know what 2011? I kinda like you. Not because you were easy, not because you gave me everything I wanted, not because I avoided hardship … but merely because of what you taught me and who you allowed me to become during the past 12 months.

I knew at the beginning of this year that I would be changing, and changing for the good. I had high hopes for myself and for my life. I resolved to be a better person, to be a better mom and most importantly to be a better disciple. To be honest, I didn’t start off on the greatest foot or with the best attitude but thankfully, that didn’t last long. As I look back over the past year, I am honestly amazed at what I have conquered and what I have learned and who I have become.

I like you, 2011, because you brought people into my life that I needed. People that changed me for the good, people that taught me valuable lessons, people that helped me through the challenges. It doesn’t mean that those relationships didn’t end in heartbreak and hurt … but I value the changes and the lessons more than I could have ever imagined. One relationship taught me the importance of being the best me and striving towards perfection in the gospel. The other relationship taught me what I deserve and that I need to not settle. See, how can you not be grateful for those things!?

I also love you 2011, because of the type of mom you taught me to become. I truly realized the importance of that calling. I also realized what a blessing it is to have Kason. I became very grateful for my entire family this year in all honesty. Before I was always glad they were there but, the deep level of gratitude was lacking. I think that this year, I was able to achieve that and it makes me grateful I get to have them around forever and ever.

I am also glad I joined the working world this year. I absolutely love my job, my bosses, my coworkers and the children I work with. It has been a greater blessing than I could have ever imagined. I love getting to go to work every day and be a part of everyone’s life there. It will be a sad day when I have to leave that place!!

Now, I make you sound like a perfect year and as much as I would like to say that that was the case … unfortunately, you weren’t perfect. Like I said, I didn’t get everything I wanted, I had serious heartbreak and hurt, I failed people and my Father in Heaven, I lost trust and confidence in myself & I am certain there were moments I would like to just forget. There are definitely things I am not proud of but, what kind of year would it be if we didn’t have our ups and downs!? Next year, I will work a little harder on that perfection thing…

Well, 2011, I’m not sure what else to say except thank you. Thank you for the lessons, for the blessings, for the knowledge gained, for the people who have come and gone, for the excitement and faith that was restored because of you. Thank you for teaching me it’s okay to fail, as long as we resolve to do better next time. Thank you for teaching me the true value of friends and family. Thank you for allowing me to experience the many ways my bishop and my ward can be of help to me. Thank you for always allowing me to have a place to live, food to eat, clothes to wear and people to tell me they love me. Just … thank you.

As for your buddy 2012, I have an incredibly good feeling about him! I say bring it on, come what may and love it & well, let’s rock and roll. I would say good riddance to you 2011 but, in all actuality, I might miss some of the things about you! However, I will say it will be nice to roll into a new year; new experiences, new challenges, new friends, new lessons … a clean and fresh start on my goals and desires! I do believe the curse of “bad years” has been ended. Or, perhaps I have just changed my attitude and perspective on life.

So, without anything further … good bye, aduei, farewell, sayonara, so long and adios. And again, thank you.

Sincerely,
An incredibly grateful & stronger & smarter … Me.