Reflection: What did you set out to accomplish this year? What have you done to cultivate your goals and your life? Did your intentions manifest during the year?
Last December I began cultivating an idea for my own project and prompts — a project dedicated to cultivating happiness, sense of self, healthy relationships, and realized dreams. I named it Cultivate 2012, and I set out to make my life one worth living. Later in the year I revised my premise to a life worth loving instead. Along the way I wanted to move out of my in-laws’ house and into a space of our own. April 1st gave us the gift of a renewed sense of hope in the form of just that — our coveted home.
This year has been marred by ill health, depression, and anxiety. Through self-experimentation, I discovered that I’m gluten intolerant. I’ve made very big lifestyle changes to accommodate my body’s needs — and got a welcomed surprise on the scale. August brought us a vehicular break down, leaving us to depend on the kindness of others. That kindness of others forged bonds between my family and some of the members of our community. I grew attached to my community and felt at home.
Autumn has transformed me. I practice writing daily lists of gratitude, acknowledgments, and happiness. This practice increased my feelings of contentment and peace. My ambitions felt renewed, and I’ve followed through with my plans to write a prompt series for December. Here we are on December 1st with a list of 31 prompts. While I recall expecting life to make a dramatic 180 on January 1st, I can tell you that my intentions have more than manifested during the last 335 days. I found a place that fit our needs and budgets and signed on the line. I formed routines that bring me a sense of loving the life I’m living. It’s not perfect — nor will it ever be. However, I’m cultivating that life worth loving, and I’m going to continue to cultivate my life.
