Wrapping up 2011 and entering 2012

Wow....what a year.  I am so grateful to my community and to the lessons I've learned that have got me here.  I feel more in love with my life and the possibilities ahead than I've ever thought possible.
My heart is soaring.....I'm open to dating in a way I've never been before, connected to amazing friends and family who hold me, challenge me and support me in ways I've never let anyone do before and I'm daily connecting with people without fear or hesitation.  It's not easy, but I see progress in myself and I see us all as one like I never have.
My mind is sore.....like I've been stretching it and using it more to develop how I can continuously transform myself and the world.  I need to read more for sure, but I'm in action all the time and not too much.  I actually feel not just like every day, week, month is balanced with all the areas in my life I love...but that I'm FULFILLED in all the areas of my life that I'm seeking balance in.  Previously, I was trying to make sure I had balance of art, love, family, friends, passion, profession and health.  And I did that in 2010, but in 2011 I really started to make sure I was doing more than spending time on those things, but that I was feeling FULFILLED in all of these areas.  And, in my journey in each of them, I am. I really, really am for the first time in my life.  It's amazing.

My body....feels unreal.  I've deeply transformed and internalized that I love myself.  Unconditionally and infinitely.  And in doing a lot of thinking and practicing what my life would look like if I lived that, I've dramatically changed how I eat (no processed foods, lots of veggies and whole grains, very little meat and only meat from sustainable farms , carbs in the am and no food after 7-- but of course, everything in moderation, including moderation--I STILL LOVE FOOD and eat and taste and experiment!) and how I look at loving my body.  I stopped worrying about weighing a certain amount and started living like I love myself.  And, I chose to love however I look on the other end of that.  I've lost about 25lbs just living like I love my body.  No starving, no struggling...just eating what my body needs, cooking up a storm, walking the pups 3-5 days a week and relaxing.  I've got fewer body image issues now than I can ever remember having (even weighing 40lbs less than I do now) and I love how I look and feel.
I've also been sober for 6 months....and my mind is SO clear and helping me to really hear what I need, what I'm afraid of and how I can get in the way of myself.  Don't get it twisted....I'm really excited for a glass of wine on July 5th, but for now this is beautiful.

Finally, my spirit......I believe my spirit is all about my contribution to the world.  And, if I don't take care of myself and seek total fulfillment within, I can't do much for what's outside of me. I feel MORE in action to contribute to the world in all kinds of ways and better able to engage than I have...EVER!!
Not only is my work strong, my volunteerism joyful and impactful...but I've finally built a website for Education Is A Vital Sign and am attending funding meetings to launch this puppy and make a living transforming how the US values the profession of teaching!  Check it out (super basic, but it's a start and I did it on my own!) at www.educationisavitalsign.org.
I also applied for my first fellowship at Echoing Green and plan to do more!

So, yeah....2012, you're not ready.  I was just warming up!  Here's to an amazing year of total fulfillment, balance and transformation.  Anything's possible if you believe it to be true.
I love you!
Maureen