Bye-bye 2011!

2011 was a year for transitions in my life.  I left my teaching job after 15 years at the International School of Greenfield Park, I turned 40 (new decade), we expanded our music school to 4 different locations, and now, at the close of the year, I've decided to set aside designing (once again) to concentrate on my songwriting and our recording projects.  Although I will be keeping my shop open, I won't be adding anything new for an indefinite period of time.  I know I will miss it, but sometimes you need to put aside something you love to make room for something you love more!

The past 4-5 years have been difficult.  I overworked myself and pushed past my limits... staying awake all night to finish a design, then going to work then next day and doing my best to take care of the family afterwards.  I had it all wrong.  I was trying to be a superwoman, to live up to some undefined expectations that came from nowhere.  Turning 40 has a lot to do with the decisions I've taken this year.  Something was amiss and I just had to set it right!  I've changed directions drastically, and with that comes a long trail of adjustments I need to make.  I just can't wait to be settled in this new direction so I feel that I can move forward once again!

For now, I am taking extra care of my health... trying to catch up on my sleep, to eat well and soon I'll add exercise!  I can hardly believe that I was a aerobics instructor in my early 20s... but that was half my life ago! Arghh!!!  Where has the time gone?!  My 30s raced by me at full speed.  I hope to slow down a bit so I can enjoy my 40s! I've been taking more time to write, to think, to play with my kids, to fall in love with my husband, to breathe, to go for walks, to read books, to de-clutter my house, etc...   I still feel the itching to busy myself with stuff to do.  You can always find something to fill your time... or others will find it for you!  I keep having to remind myself not to.  At my church we will be starting a study group on the book "Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren. This is just what I need! Taking time to better define and focus on my purpose will lay the groundwork for the years to come!

I look forward to 2012!