#weverb14

[stephsnextpage]

ReBuild

What do you plan to pick-up or rebuild this year? I am continuing to rebuild in all areas of my live, especially within myself. Ever since late 2012, I have been rebuilding by meditating, de-cluttering and organizing. Making room for the new, everyday taking a step. In case you’re joining us for the first time, I am doing a post  almost everyday on reflecting on 2013 and looking forward to 2014…

[lovelikeinvisiblestrings]

WeVerb14: Fortify

(I am so behind because of my vacation!)

What personal strengths will you use this year that you developed in 2013?

One goal I had in 2013 was to make the most of my time and say yes when opportunities made their way to me. It doesn't hurt to say yes and give something a try. Right? I've met some great people and took on some awesome side projects because of this, and I want to stay open to these kind of situations in 2014. You just never know what could happen.

[lovelikeinvisiblestrings]

WeVerb14: Laugh

Tell us about your biggest belly laugh in 2013!

I shared so many great moments with friends and family this year, but this is one particular moment that had me crying. I don't know if I was just tired or what but I put on this video to show my husband... and I could not stop laughing AT ALL. I'm sure our neighbors thought I was nuts.

[lovelikeinvisiblestrings]

WeVerb14: Accept (Day 8)

What imperfection did you come to accept in your life in 2013? How will you embrace it more in 2014?

I cannot fix everything as much as I want to. I cannot change how people feel, or control how they act. I have very high expectations, and even when I try to lower them, I still find myself getting hurt.

I think this all goes back to letting go. In 2013, I did a lot of sucking things up. I didn't pretend to be happy but I made a choice not the rock the boat either. Sometimes there isn't more rocking to be done. Sometimes you just have to let things happen. Even if the end result isn't ideal. I guess in 2014 I am going to continue to relearn this and hopefully, little by little, I don't get all wrapped up in these feelings anymore?

Total work in progress.

[bourbonandbavardage]

5: Sing

What song or lyrics will be forever tied to 2013 in your mind? What songs are you excited to keep with you through 2014?

My anthem of 2013 is a song that actually came out a few years ago:

Admittedly, I'm a person who likes music more for melody and rhythm than for lyrics, but this is one song whose words really spoke to me, especially this verse:

Now, the world can be an unfair place at times But your lows will have their complement of highs And if anyone should cheat you Take advantage of, or beat you Raise your head and wear your wounds with pride

My song for 2014 strikes a similar chord (pun intended!):

There's a sense of uplift in these songs that really speak to me right now. Plus, they're pretty dancy, and who doesn't like a good dance party?

[bourbonandbavardage]

4: Rebuild

What do you plan to pick-up or rebuild this year?

I promise I won't perpetually beat this drum, but in the wake of this unexpected divorce I need to rebuild my life. Specifically, I need to rebuild my own self-confidence. I went from being (or so I thought) happily married, with two steady incomes, plans for the future, regular vacations, and lots of mutual friends and activities that gave order and structure to my days. When all of that fell away suddenly, I found myself very quickly having to re-learn how to be alone again, how to feel valued even after the experience of being discarded by someone I thought would always love me.

In all honesty, however, I suspect my self-confidence has needed some work for awhile, divorce or no. So I'm going to take this pile of lemons and make some very tasty lemonade margaritas out of them. It's time.