2011 has been a year of learning and growth.  It was somewhat of a catalytic year, a precursor to what I intend to accomplish in 2012, and this is what I’ve learned:

1.  Getting rid of clutter gives you clarity.  This has been a big clean-up year for me -physically, mentally, emotionally. Toxicity is a bad thing to have around, and I mean that in more than the environmental sense.  I have gotten rid of a lot of stuff that I don’t need: toxic relationships, things I “should” do, and stuff that just takes up space.  It is amazing what that does to you.  I suddenly feel that I can really breathe and have a clear vision of what I want.  Get rid of “stuff” and you make room for wonderful, new experiences.

2.  I can’t please everyone.  There will be people who don’t like my work.  I value my vision, my work, and my artistry;  it will find the right venue and touch those who appreciate it.

3.  Failure is okay.  In fact, it’s more than okay because it’s how we grow and learn.  As long as I keep trying after failing, and growing from the experience, I know I’ll be okay. Watch the movie “Rudy” for inspiration.

4.  There are some amazing places, people and things in my own backyard.  I have passed by (and passed over) many things that I perhaps thought were insignificant, only to find extraordinary beauty in them later.  Take a second look around – you never know what you might see.

5.  That being said, I need to get out of my comfort zone, go to different places, do challenging things.  When I push myself to create new work or move in a different direction, I get energized and amazing things start to happen.

6.  I like slow travel (and slow food).  Two hectic back-to-back trips to Europe in March, in multiple locations, really made me appreciate the times when I can stay in one place for more than a few days.  I am a gypsy girl at heart and love adventure, but sometimes I just need to slow down and really get to know a place, its people, food and nuances that I may not necessarily see at first glance.

7.  I need more “me” time.  So many of us have been taught to be unselfish and put others’ needs before ours, but it’s not the healthiest thing to do all the time.  When I do take that time, I am a better person all the way around, for myself, my work and my family.  However, you can’t just say it.  You need to own it, claim it, schedule it in.  Turn off the phone and email and do your thing, whatever that thing is that will recharge your soul.

8.  It’s okay to ask for help.  I am proud of my independence.  I do not care for valets and people to help me with my bags when I travel.  I can carry it all myself (especially my heavy camera bag), thankyouverymuch!  However, there are times, when life weighs you down and it’s okay to ask for help.  I am lucky enough to have people in my life that I can rely on when I need them, who support me and won’t judge me when I don’t always have it together.

9.  Imperfectionism is a gift.  I am a recovering perfectionist.  Perfectionism can sometimes lead to procrastination and inaction, and it can be an enemy to creativity. Sometimes it’s better to do something imperfectly rather than not do it at all.  So, forgive my mistakes, but I will continue to send out imperfect blog posts!

10.  Life is short.  Live your dreams now.  We all have a limited time on this earth and I don’t intend to waste any more of my precious time.  Here’s an great little post about Five Things You Should Stop Doing in 2012.

What have you learned in 2011?

Cheers to the experiences we had in 2011 and to new adventures in 2012.  Have a safe, healthy, creative, Happy New Year!

Eat well.  Travel often.  Live your passion.

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I am a freelance Food and Travel photographer, based in the foothills outside of Denver, Colorado. This blog is a way to share my passion for anything related to food, travel, and creativity. I hope you enjoy the images and musings, and feel free to comment and subscribe with the links below. Thanks for visiting!