Monday, December 10, 2012

Looking Back, Looking Ahead, and Thank You


Whoa, where did 2012 go?  December got here while I was still basking in the glow of a wonderful Thanksgiving, and now the holidays are upon us as well as the end of the year.  Someone pushed the fast forward button in October.

Many people rev up at the end of the year.  Things get hectic.  Stress levels rise.  I’m not immune to that, but overall, I like to slow down.  The increasing darkness (in the northern hemisphere) draws me inside, literally and figuratively.  The end of the calendar year is an artificial demarcation, but it’s a good time to look back...and forward.

One thing I’ve been thinking about is my blog.  I started this blog in February 2010.  For the first year, I posted randomly about the 10 Steps.  Beginning in January 2011, I focused on one step per month, with the idea that this would encourage the development and reinforcement of the habits associated with each step.  Highlighting one of the 10 Steps each month took me through October of last year.  After that, I reverted to posting randomly about the steps which I continued to do through this year.

This year also birthed my book about the 10 Steps, which was released in October.  I’m pleased that it has been well received and continues to help me raise money for Edwards Center, the nonprofit to which I’ve pledged all the proceeds from the book. (You can find out more about the book by clicking on the link at the top of the right margin.)

So what’s next?  One thing I’ve been thinking about is doing more with my FB page (which you can visit and “like” by clicking on the FB link in the right margin, or just click here).  Beginning in January, I’m thinking of launching a short daily FB post with the theme “Living in Your Happy Place Every Day.”  Posts might include quotes, links, video clips, suggested daily practices, and whatever else catches my attention.  The point is to remind us on a daily basis to open our spirits to joy.

Which brings me back to the blog and a request to you to offer any suggestions or feedback you might have.  As you have probably figured out by now, I’m pretty low tech, so don’t be looking for fancy tech changes.  I guess what I’m asking you is to give me some feedback about what brings you here, and, if you are a regular reader, what keeps you coming back.  Are there things you would like me to do differently?  Topics you would like addressed?  Something I’m missing?  How can I support you better in developing habits to grow a joyful spirit, to find and stay in your happy place?

Okay, my turn to give you some feedback.  One of the things I love about writing the blog is the wide range of connections I’ve made through it.  I now have blog friends all over the world.  I am so grateful that people of different nationalities, cultures, faiths, opinions, hemispheres, experiences, ages, lifestyles, ethnicities, can all meet here to share our thoughts and stories.  I’ve read on other blogs about problems with people be hateful or hurtful in some way.  How lucky I am that given the amazing diversity of readers on this blog, I have had next to zero issues like that.  The fact that we come here from such different backgrounds and yet can all listen and speak with deep respect and honor to each other is a marvel I don’t take for granted.

What’s even more marvelous is that my blog is not unique in this respect.  Not at all.  On the contrary, I visit many blogs where people come to the table with openness and eagerness to hear each other, to learn from each other, to support each other.  Isn’t that amazing?  I just shake my head in humble wonder.

So whether you are here for the first time or you’ve been here many times before, I thank you for the blessings you bring here with your presence.  And I look forward to seeing what the next year brings for all of us.  Thank you so much.

47 comments:

  1. And, I thank you, Galen, for being such a blessing and inspiration to me! I love your idea for the daily happy thought; I think you would attract even more readers and fans. Each of us can't get enough of the good news, and you are just the one to spread it.
    May your Christmas and New Year be merry and bright!
    Blessings, my friend!

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    1. Martha, I know for awhile you were posting every day on your blog. I was in awe! I'm not sure I could keep up that pace of original writing. The daily FB posts will be short and will sometimes include "good news" from other sources. I will probably continue to focus on original content on the blog. I'm so grateful that you connect with me both on the blog and on FB. Thank you.

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  2. Galen the reason I come to your blog vary; sometimes you post about feelings, emotions, etc., which I can totally relate to; other times it's been for inspiration; and yet other times it's to stop in and say hello. I'm also debating on what to do with my blog next year it's become a part of my day and I know I'd miss the connection to the world if I just left it, I was thinking maybe posting on the odd days, bi-weekly or weekly, but it's not next year yet so no worries today about it! lol

    Thanks for sharing all that you do here, I look forward to ACIM and hope I can keep up to my blog, ACIM, get in the necessary paperwork for the Masters and start my writing...right and find a job!

    Have a wonderful week!

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    1. darlin, Thank you for sharing what brings you here. You have posted daily on your blog for several years. Like I said to Martha above, that just amazes me. I've been wondering if you would keep it up for another year. ACIM will be a daily practice, so you are right that there is a lot to keep up with. I so appreciate your comment.

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  3. Dear Galen -
    I know so well that feeling of acceleration as the year counts down - it can be a panicky sensation at times, and I have to say that Christmas is not always my favourite time of year.
    I come back to your blog because of your wisdom. I seldom comment on your posts but nearly always read them - in some way or other, they are always affirming and helpful. I am in awe of the purpose and clarity with which you set out your ideas, and the humanity which you display.
    Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and I hope you will continue to do so.

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    1. Alexia, It's so nice to know that you are here, even if you are not always commenting. I love our cross hemisphere connection! Thank you so much for the reflection and the kind words. I will certainly continue in some form, and maybe just the same form. I look forward to sharing another year with you.

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  4. Galen: I'm still enjoying 2012. As for your blog, just keep it positive. Your followers are looking for "you," not some new, unique idea. You are it!

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    1. JJ, I'm still enjoying 2012, too! It's not over till it's over, and I am happy to have a few more weeks to soak in all that has happened this year. Thank you for sharing your view. It made me smile. And truthfully, I'm not sure I could do it any other way. Thanks, my friend.

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  5. I come to your blog for two main reasons: you write very well and you share yourself. A third reason is purely personal: you have become a dear friend to Betty and me.

    Keep doing what you are doing by sharing glimpses of you: your thoughts, your life experiences, your hurts and joys. This isn't a blog I come to to learn how to do something. It is a place I come to read the honest reflections of a fascinating lady who has lived a very interesting life.

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    1. Bob, Thanks for your perspective. You're right, this isn't a how to blog. Thanks for reminding me. I appreciate your feedback, and most of all your friendship.

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  6. Thank you for your writing and friendship Galen! I like the posts which teach through story which you do so well! And I also like how you get to the point pretty quickly. Oh and have I mentioned that I LOVE your book.

    I'm not sure if you post your blog posts on Facebook but if you do, you can pose questions from your blog on Facebook and generate a conversation there as well.

    Looking forward to more in 2012!

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    1. Vishnu, Thank you for the kind words. As a lawyer, you might appreciate how I learned to tell a story--from contracts! Teaching contracts is really all about the stories of the real people behind the disputes, and what happened after the case was decided. Thanks thanks for the idea of how to generate more discussion on FB. That is something I haven't really explored too much. I'm looking forward to seeing what you do in 2012--I know it will be great.

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  7. Galen, I'm a fairly new reader. I keep coming back to your blog because I love your reflections on life, stories from your life, and the wisdom you weave among them. Even if I don't leave a comment, I'm reading, and you give me plenty to think about. Thank you for that.

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    1. Tina, I'm so glad you came and decided to stay! I appreciate your feedback so much. It really helps me think about what I am doing, and it reminds me that many people read who don't leave comments every time. Thanks very much.

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  8. Galen, I think your use of FB in the New Year - daily affirmations is a great idea. I think people come and go depending on where they are in their lives. Having a place to visit during the week that provides insight or asks a person to look inward or remember to smile forward .. not a bad thing.

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    1. brenda, Thanks for the feedback about the FB idea. I'm looking forward to playing around with that.

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  9. I come by because you're part of my blogging community, and it's important to me.

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    1. Linda, Thanks for highlighting a reason that many of us blog and visit other blogs--for community. I'm glad to be part of your blogging community.

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  10. Yours is one of the few blogs I read. I have been rather busy this year and I have been compelled to cut back the time I spent online. But what keeps me coming back is your stories. I like how you are able to impart your wisdom through everyday adventures. Your posts touch me greatly!

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    1. Evelyn, I know what you mean about being busy and having to choose. I don't know how you do all that you do with small children to take care of. Those were not my most productive years! Thank you for your kind words, and I'm glad that you can find time to stop by. Thank you.

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  11. Dear Galen,
    I love reading your posts because they always bring a new perspective to something I thought I already knew. I like that you are so personal and open about yourself and what you feel and how you find joy in your life.
    Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Beliza, Nice to see you! Thank you for your kind words. I hope you are doing well, and I will stop over soon.

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  12. I come by because of your positive yet non-judgemental writing..you write about what works for you and then give us time to think about it.

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    1. Thank you for the feedback. All this is very helpful.

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  13. Galen, what an inspiring post! I mean that in the sense that it makes one wonder about their own blog, if they are a blogger LOL.
    I have been blogging for 3 years now, and I find that I sometimes come up with ideas that tie me down more than I have room for. That would be my only piece of advice...anything that you choose to do, do it because it is something that you can freely do. Don't let it become a 'chore'.
    In writing about Celiac and Food allergies, I find that my niche is in creating recipes and that's what I share a lot on my first site. If there was only a way that I could 'talk' all of the stacks of recipes into a post, I would have one for every day of the next 3 years! Unfortunately, with a blog like that, my experiments don't always turn out and I have to back up and punt LOL. I now have two other sites that I am working on, one of which I have been setting up over the last year. I hope to open it before end of January.
    With that in mind, I had to give up in other areas...primarily reading other's blogs :( That part of the pie is hard. Seeing a blogger come out with a post that you really want to read, but just can't get to is difficult. Sometimes, I'm back stroking just to catch up on month-old posts.
    I guess what I am trying to say is that every change comes with a result, some we aren't fond of but have to live with to accomplish our long term goal. Whatever road you take, I'm sure it will be accepted to all who follow you ♥

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    1. Mary, Thanks for taking the time to share some of your own blogging experience and advice. You are wise to point out how blogging can become a chore. I've had to stop at a few points along the way and reassess what is motivating me and what I'm willing to do. I always come back to what makes it enjoyable for me. Thanks so much for sharing your perspective.

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  14. Thank you Galen for being such an inspiration to me. I truly enjoy coming here. May not be very regular but I always go back feeling lighter and happy.

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    1. Rimly, Thank you for the kind words. I'm not always a regular reader on blogs I like, so I understand. We all do what we can manage. Thanks.

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  15. I come here because you are authentic. You tell your own stories with heart and humility. This combination gives a great jumping off point to inspire us. it is not coming from this expert place, but a lived experience. Plus they are short and to the point. I like that!

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    1. Jodi, The longer I live, the less expert I feel! How did I know so much when I was 20?! I appreciate your kind words about authenticity, because I feel exactly that way about you. I still remember and appreciate the dialogue we had about my guest post on your blog. That was real. Thanks.

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  16. Love your blog, and I liked your page! Come on over to mine too if you get a chance, and we'll hang out! :)

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    1. Jennifer, I liked your page, too. I've been thinking of getting a reading. Maybe my New Year's present to myself. Thanks.

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  17. Galen, I just love to read whatever you post. I often come into read one of your posts and it lifts my soul and or gives me an a thought I haven't thought about. I have pondered on many of your messages. I can of like your random posts. I did enjoy the 10 steps, however too. I will just read whatever you write.
    I like your face book idea, also.
    Blessings to you for the many times you have touched my heart.

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    1. LeAnn, I so appreciate your steadfast friendship. You are one of the people I think about when I think of all the diversity among my readers. Thanks for the feedback about the two approaches--random and focusing on one step at a time. That was helpful. Thanks for the kind words.

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  18. I lost October too... AND November as well LOL ... where oh where does time fly away to? I agree with JJ and Bob and the other thoughtful commenters above who say that it's you and the life affirming stories that you share here that keep drawing us back. I don't get over here as often as I'd like but when I do I am always rewarded with a "pearl" of wisdom or insight that brightens my day. Thanks Galen.

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    1. Hi, Jean, nice to see you! I don't know where the time goes. I feel the same way about your blog. Every time I visit, I love catching up and I wish I stopped by more often. But I'm glad we stay in touch. Thanks for commenting.

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  19. Galen, I have said before that I read what you have to say as I would a devotional. Your joyful spirit inspires me to examine myself; not in judgment of my faults and failures, but in positive consideration of all that I have to offer.

    I love that you do not hold yourself up as an "expert" regarding spiritual matters and that you openly share your shortcomings.

    What you do is a labor of love and it is appreciated by many. Without a doubt, your next step will be thoughtfully and prayerfully considered. Best wishes.

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    1. Suzanne, I love what you said about examining yourself without judgment and with an appreciation for your gifts. If my words have contributed in any way to that, then I'm pleased. And thanks for the vote of confidence. Your reminder to turn to my inner guidance is appreciated.

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  20. Galen,

    I love your openness of mind and heart. Your authenticity, vulnerability, strength and wisdom. This is the beautiful mix that entices me to visit you on your blog.

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    1. Sandra, Thank you for your lovely words. I'm so glad we are friends.

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  21. Galen,
    I love reading your reflections and stories, it is just wonder full how you pull ideas together in a linear fashion that indicates how they play out in your life.

    I also feel like there is a blogging friend behind the words on site and that I might actually get to Portland for a cuppa tea and a visit. Which would delight me no beginning or end...

    Your book is my holiday giveaway to my readers for the 17th post...see I even read you on paper!

    Just keep doing what you do...I like your facebook ideas too.

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    1. Patricia, I love being a holiday giveaway--thank you! And thanks for the feedback and the kind words.

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  22. To all, my deepest gratitude. What started out as a request for advice and feedback grew beyond the excellent advice into a outpouring of kindness and generosity on your part. I didn't see that coming and I am so humbly appreciative. I will treasure these comments for a long time to come. And I will keep them in mind as I move into the new year. You have enriched my spirit more than you know. Thank you so much.

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  23. Absolutely Galen!

    Wonder where 2012 went, and it really went fast! But yes, when we sit back and think- I think we did the best we could and that in itself makes us happy and content. Yes, there is always scope for improvement, and just like you are thinking of adding a new FB Page, I would love you to connect with all of us on Twitter and G+ too. :)

    I love visiting your blog for the inspiration you provide so many of us, and all within a few lines and through your lovely examples and life experiences. :)

    Thanks for being there and making a difference in our lives :)

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    1. Harleena, Oh that Twitter and G+! I don't know if I'm ready for that. Trying to do more with FB is a big step for me. But you are not the first person to encourage me to branch out, so who knows what 2013 will bring?! Thanks for your kind words.

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  24. Dearest Galen, I fondly remember how we met (yeah, I am like that - remembering) I was first enchanted with your name and then fascinated by the name of your blog.

    Today, I bask in the lovely friendship we have developed and feel blessed to know you and read your words. What I love is that you are so real in the way you inspire, without simply offering how-tos or must-dos. Your warmth and gentle humor is always apparent in your writing.

    Suggestions - I love your FB post idea. I am always amazed you are not on Twitter :D

    2012 was a wonderful year, just like any other for me - full of learning, connecting and laughter. I look forward to 2013 with open heart and arms. Hugs. Loved this post.

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    1. Vidya, I remember when you came to my attention, too. Even though we come from such different parts of the world, it seemed that I had found a soul sister in you. Time has just confirmed that. Thanks for commenting.

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