2012.

Well, you were quite a year.

I can honestly say, as 2012 is coming to an end, that I learned a lot. I’m leaving this year a stronger woman, a stronger mother, a stronger wife and a stronger worker.

I’ve learned a TON this year, and these “lessons” will stay in my heart and in my mind throughout 2013. I’ve always been one to count my blessings and never take anything for granted… I think sometimes in life, we just need a gentle reminder as to the reality and truth to those words, and I definitely got that this year.

So what did I learn? What am I taking away from 2012?

101 Things I Learned from 2012:

1. Our health is something we should never take for granted. Always get your yearly physical and if something just feels “off” and “not right,” get it checked.

2. Enjoy the “nothing” days. You know, the days where there are no plans. Just enjoy them with your family.

3. The laundry can always wait.

4. Believe in miracles.

5. Positive people and happy people are the people you WANT to be around. Don’t surround yourself with people that bring you down or are negative. The beautiful thing about life is that we can decide who we want to be around.

6. Make time for a Date Night with your loved one.

7. There can always be a happily-ever-after.

8. Whenever you have the chance, hug your child(ren) and tell them how much you love them.

9. Never go to bed angry.

10. Take as many photos as you possible can.

11. Take the time to show your children old movies of them or of you! It brings some joy and laughter and happiness.

12. Treat yourself to a little “me” time every now and then. As difficult as it is to do, it’s something that’s important to do for yourself.

13. What goes around, will always come back around. Remember that. 🙂

14. Sharing on Facebook isn’t a bad thing, it’s a good thing. It’s a GREAT way to keep in touch with important people in your life… or just people you want to be connected to.

15. Just stop and dance in the kitchen… by yourself, with your kids or with your love!

16. Baking something special for your kids does really bring a HUGE smile to their face.

17. It’s nice (and a great treat) when you have the time to shave your legs in the shower. 🙂

18. Matching socks is something the kids can do.

19. If you have grandparents that are still alive, call them… and call them often.

20. That being said, send them a beautiful card every now and then in the (gasp) mail. Just because.

21. Happiness doesn’t come from how much money you have in the bank… it comes from within. Continue to find and discover the things that make you happy from head to toe.

22. You never know when an ordinary day is going to become extraordinary.

23. Get on Instagram.

24. If you haven’t already, get your parents on Facebook. Nothing is cuter than seeing your parents get excited about a photo they’re tagged in with your kids.

25. If you’re a digital mom (like me), completely unplug once in awhile.

26. Never be afraid to follow-through with an idea you have. The most successful people in this world started with an idea.

27. Read a book, a “real” one from an actual bookstore. At some point they may be are fizzled out, so enjoy them while we can.

28. Give back as much as you can. We’ve seen a lot of destruction happen in 2012, not everyone has the means to give back financially… but always do what you can.

29. Ask your child what color your eyes are… there’s something very special about them knowing.

30. A new pair of shoes CAN really make you feel better.

31. Sometimes it’s just fun to go to the movies solo.

32. Do something unexpected of you. I did this a few times this year and it was VERY freeing.

33. Pay it forward someway, somehow.

34. Belly laugh every single day. And if you’re wondering how that’s going to happen, make sure you’re surrounding yourself with people who can make it happen or find things that will make it happen.

35. Listen to your heart.

36. A clean kitchen just makes you feel good.

37. You never know what struggles others are going through at moments in life… try to remember that.

38. Make sure you’re setting aside plenty of time for family time.

39. Honor the best friend in your life.

40. Sometimes you just need to get out there and sled, swim or chase.

41. Send holiday cards – digitally or through snail mail.

42. Always wish people a Happy Birthday, means so much.

43. Being strong doesn’t mean you can lift the most amount of weight, it’s measured a lot differently than that.

44. Embrace the meaning of a “nothing night” on the couch with your love. I remember in January praying for a night like that.

45. Quality over quantity.

46. Create special nights with each of your children, one on one.

47. Look for signs from the universe.

48. Meet your child’s teacher. These men and women are with them sometimes more in a day than you are. It’s important to know them.

49. Always believe in the dreams of the ones you love.

50. Eat healthy. Like really be conscious of it.

51. Do what makes you happy.

52. Always have a new goal that you want to go after.

53. Always look for the rainbow, they’re out there.

54. If you’re thinking about having another baby, go for it. Babies are a blessing.

55. Everyone needs a vacation.

56. Like my husband loves to say, “Don’t be a kill-joy!” You don’t want to be “that” person.

57. Surprise your kids with a sleepover in the living room one night.

58. Know the answer to… “What brings you JOY?”

59. Sparkle. 🙂

60. Support others… when they need it and when they don’t need it.

61. It’s fun to crack into the Fortune Cookie and see what’s inside.

62. Know who your true friends are. They’ll be there for you always.

63. Never underestimate the power of a new tomorrow.

64. Be kind to others.

65. Kids are sponges, they take everything in… keep this in mind as you talk in front of them.

66. Take a trip to Disney with your kids at least once in your lifetime.

67. Teach your kids how to swim, it’s something you’ll be grateful for as they get older.

68. Bring your children camping. Believe me, it’s an adventure… and I don’t camp.

69. “I love you” are words you want your children to always know and to always believe in.

70. Dare to dream bigger than big.

71. It’s OK to want to feel beautiful and pretty.

72. Really live life.

73. Dress up for New Year’s Eve!

74. Create memories.

75. Surprise the ones you love with something ultra-special out of the blue.

76. If you travel for work, notes left under pillows and in lunch boxes create huge smiles.

77. Volunteer.

78. Embrace the moments when your child wants to hold your hand, you never know when they’re going to be “too cool” or “too old” to keep doing it.

79. Sit at the table with your kids when they’re doing their homework.

80. Protect your child always. You’re their biggest advocate.

81. Let your love hold the remote (sometimes).

82. The most valuable things in life are free.

83. Read your horoscope every now and then… if anything, it will bring you a smile.

84. Visualize good things.

85. Let your child know he or she is funny.

86. Always tuck your babies in at night.

87. Make sure you always share joyous moments with your parents or people who will be just as happy for you. It’s a beautiful thing.

88. Sometimes you just need to sit and watch the full game of football because it means so much to the guys in your life.

89. Don’t text at dinner.

90. Along the same lines (unless you’re expecting a call)… don’t take calls at dinner.

91. Start off the day with a great breakfast (for you and your family).

92. Kisses before school and work are essential.

93. Don’t over brag about your child… if he or she is extra special at something, people will know.

94. A romantic vacation is something that you should do at least once a year.

95. Hang special photos in your house. It’s always a beautiful thing to share special moments in time.

96. Even when your husband says he wants to build a garden and it turns into a small farm, I know him connecting with the earth is something special and essential for him.

97. Nothing tastes better than a home-grown tomato.

98. Be your own advocate.

99. Be bold in life. Be someone people remember.

100. Be someone people want to be friends with… it’s a special way to be.

101. Live life to the fullest, in every single way you can.