'juxtaposition': place or deal with close together for contrasting effect
As the year comes to an end I've been reflecting and thinking about how to sum things up. Without a doubt this has been a year of starkest contrast.
There have been amazing highs, wonderful achievements and recognition, and truly great adventures and rewards. I said that 2010 would be my year to SHINE and I wasn't wrong. I am truly amazed at the journey I have taken with my art this year, and the places it has taken me. I will always think of this year as one of the most pivotal in my creative journey.
Alongside art my connections with family, friends and the fur peeps stand out. With time on my side I've been able to be there when people have needed me, I've spent quality time with people and fur people that I love and care about, and my relationships are richer and stronger for the gift of time. For this I am truly grateful.
Then there's the other side to this year. The side that has been by far one of the hardest I have experienced. I have learned difficult lessons in nearly all areas of my life. Career, health, friendship, home. There have been so many challenges that have completely overwhelmed me and brought me to my knees.
I carried another word/theme through 2010 with me. Early in 2010 the word SURRENDER showed up in my consciousness and firmly asserted it's place. This word has been a touchstone for me this year. Whenever I have wanted to fight the lessons, rage against the universe or try to push forward against the insufferable waiting that has been a feature of the last 4 months I've reached for that word and breathed it into my soul.
As I sit here now, with 2011 beginning to show it's face and already looking so completely different from 2010, I'm smiling. I see that I have ridden the grandest of roller coasters. I realise that I'm stronger and yet somehow gentler for the ride. I'm exhausted yet somehow rested. I'm world weary and cautious yet somehow open and trusting.
'juxtaposition': the state of being close together or side by side.
Amazing isn't it? The power to look back like that. Really love how you sum this past year up...you are so much stronger and those experiences really have made you so, so much has been accomplished too Cathy! :-) I'm thinking back on a few things myself and saying "wow was that really THIS year!" Cant wait to have you guys join my course and plan another fabulous year. xxxx
ReplyDeleteYay Tinniegirl- all kinds of awesome!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great reflection on YOUR year Cathy. It's interesting how the two words played out in 2010 - I'm glad that SHINE was one of them =-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a year indeed - a rollercoaster for sure!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for looking after me when I needed it.
What a great post, Cathy! I too have been thinking about my year. It's been so different in so many ways, and it has taught me the valuable lesson of patience being a virtue.
ReplyDeleteAre you around on Boxing Day? I'll be in town. Coffee?
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great summing up. Sounds like it was an important year. Wishing you lots more adventures and good things for 2011Xx
ReplyDeleteA great reflection on a huge year Cathy. It has been a privilege to be able to watch and share parts of your journey.
ReplyDeleteAm looking forward to your adventures in 2011 !