2012 is the first year I've ever actually kept a New Year's resolution.
It's also the first year that my resolution wasn't something like dropping 10 pounds or eating more vegetables.
There were a lot of social unknowns at the beginning of this year. (see December 2011 "The Privilege of Saying Good-bye"). A good portion of my friends had recently moved out of state, and others were disappearing into a suburban world of 2.5 kids and picket fences. To avoid boredom and loneliness, I knew that I needed to make some changes and do something new. So...
I decided to make it my resolution to accept all invitations, to take relational risks, to have new experiences, and to not worry about staying up past my bedtime.
Check, Check, check, and CHECK.
The result: beyond my wildest imagination. So many times this year, I've found myself saying, "If you would have told me a year ago that I'd be doing this today, I never would have believed you." And it's true. Every day (that's only a slight exaggeration) has been an adventure. I haven't said no to anything. I've had more "firsts" in 2012 than I'd had in the decade prior, combined.
I've not just stepped, but LEAPED out of my comfort zone more times than I can count this year. I didn't know if I'd be accepted, if I'd make friends, if people would appreciate or understand my quirkiness. There were a few false starts, and a few little road bumps. But I learned from them, and moved onward and upward.
The payoff has been so much greater than I expected. I don't even have the words to explain my feelings about this year, so instead, here is a Top 10 list of "If you would have told me a year ago that I'd be doing this today, I never would have believed you" Moments/Experiences:
1. Meeting my new best friend, and the resulting whirlwind of adventures, invitations, hilarity, and general awesomeness.
2. Traveling to Colombia with some of my favorite girls, to visit some of my other favorite girls. Particular highlight: Taganga, which to date is my favorite place on earth. Meeting people from all over the globe.
3. Holi Party - wearing white and throwing colorful paint on friends, in the rain. Getting messy can be the most fun.
4. Ben's re-proposal to me on our 5-year anniversary.
5. Being part of my Ami's wedding. Okay, so THIS I'd known I would eventually be doing since circa 1998, but it was too special to not mention.
6. My 30 Before 30 Project. Doing one new thing each day for a month to celebrate the beginning of a new decade.
7. Having an amazing 30th birthday celebration.
8. Impromptu trip to Wisconsin Dells and Market Days.
9. Becoming involved in the largest grass-roots political campaign in Minnesota; joining 27,000 like-minded volunteers and witnessing The Day that Love Won.
10. Making my "drag debut" at the hottest "night club" in town, Chateau Fremont.
To say that this year has been a success is an understatement. To say that I am blessed beyond belief is an understatement.
I don't think it will be possible to have this many new experiences in 2013. But I've learned this year to not be limited by expectations. Every day is a new adventure, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow will bring.
