Farewell, 2012.

I wrote my resolutions and intentions for 2013 before I had a proper chance to celebrate and say farewell to 2012. While I love some good memories I've never given too much weight to the past – I don't  I don't live there anymore. But I think 2012 is worth revisiting one last time – and it will help give me some much-needed reflection and closure on a year that flew by at the speed of light.

2012: BRAID CREATIVE 
Braid Creative had amazing financial success, we hired two full time employees, and as our expertise deepened our dream clients continued finding their way to us. We went from hanging our hats on branding to discovering that we're also really good at business visioning. Through our method, that we relied on for uncovering authentic brands, we found that we were digging deep and helping creatives hone in on their core genius and build a business.

But there were times when I felt stretched thin or simply consumed by Braid. At times my preoccupation with it left me feeling kind of one-dimensional. But toward the end of 2012 I felt a bit of a shift. It was as if I had seen Braid through its infancy and she was finally sleeping through the night.

I'm so excited about what 2013 has to bring for us. We're continuing to work on our Braid ECourses and are in the beginning stages of developing a workshop (!!!). I can't wait to share with you who we've recruited to help us execute them. I also want to write a couple EBooks and continue to find new ways to reach and help as many creative entrepreneurs who just want to live what they love.

2012: JEREMY GOES TO GRAD SCHOOL
Jeremy was accepted into grad school and started working on his Masters in Electrical Engineering full time. It was fun having him home so much – between insanely complicated homework he would bring us Braid gals tea or pick up lunch. Jeremy has two more semesters of school left and will begin working on his thesis this Spring.

2012: EASTERN EUROPE
I'm still recapping our first experience in Europe. I learned so much on this trip – the biggest lesson being that I no longer crave being completely "unplugged". In retrospect, I wish I had been capturing, shaping, and sharing the experience as it was happening. I just have too many demands on my time and am too excited about sharing what's happening right now to dedicate a chunk of time to retelling a story that's already happened.

2012: YOGA & PALEO
I turned 30 this year and with that stepped it up as far as my health is concerned. I continued to work out daily but ditched long cardio sessions for lifting heavy weights combined with short high intensity interval training workouts. Then toward the latter part of the year I ditched all of that for yoga and rock climbing - which leaves me feeling much more aligned. I'm looking forward to deepening my yoga practice in 2013.

Another big thing we did for our health this year was the Whole30. For a month (after returning from Europe) we ditched alcohol, sugar, grains, legumes and diary for a whole month. We lived on fish, veggies, avocados and coconut oil – and it was amazing. We adopted a mostly Paleo lifestyle and are starting our second Whole30 today.

ALSO IN 2012: 
• I facilitated a round table discussion at Alt Summit and loved being roomies with Danielle
• Jeremy and Tara surprised me with a big Braid office makeover
• Jeremy and I bought two new rental / investment properties (also see Landlord Matters)
• I got on a boat with a stranger in Long Beach.
• I burned some sage.
• I tried to find a little balance and alignment. It's still a daily intention.
• I celebrated my 30th birthday in Brooklyn with Jeremy and my brother.
• I decided to become an urban cowgirl. 
• Then I dreaded my hair. 
• I blogged about my vagina.
• I hung out with friends in Chicago and admired the architecture.
• I embraced my Leo rising.
• I ran away from Auschwitz in a storm.
• I climbed the tallest mountain in Poland.
• I was invited to Mighty Summit and had an amazing time.
• I hung out in Palm Springs with 20 amazing women. 
• I prepped for the end of the world. 

Thank you 2012, for all the lessons you taught me. There is more than I can list. Looking forward to all that 2013 brings.