2012 is here. I don’t normally look back on a year and reflect on it. I don’t stay up till midnight, counting down the seconds until a new year, a new life. The transition is as normal and mundane as Monday going into Tuesday. Yet, this time, I have a lot to reflect on, a lot to be thankful for.
I graduated from my interpreting training program (an accomplishment when you consider the average dropout rate). On the same day, I published my first paranormal romance on Amazon and Smashwords. You can imagine how high on Cloud Nine I was. In the Fall, I found work in my field (also an accomplishment in today’s economy), published my second novel, and wrote the first draft of its sequel.
Plus, the arrival of January marks the four-month milestone of my being 100% gluten free, something I never thought would happen. When I finally went off the gluten back in August because of a health scare, I didn’t think I’d last one month. I certainly never expected to make it to the new year. Not only did I make it, but I’m not even tempted to break faith. Bring on five months of gluten-free. Six. Maybe even a year. I’m an addict who’s finally been freed from those chains, though I know it will be a decision every single day not to go back on it. But what I’ve told myself and come to believe is “I don’t need it.”
So, despite some major health setbacks, this year has been very blessed and prosperous. I don’t know what 2012 will hold, though already some major challenges are before me. Even if I’m about to enter the desert or the fire, I know my God is with me. He is gracious and merciful, and His promises are true. This time, I am not afraid to learn faith. After all, He didn’t let me down this year.
This is my prayer in the harvest
When favor and providence flow
I know I’m filled to be emptied again
The seed I’ve received I will sow
What did 2011 teach you? Was it a year of harvest, of trials by fire, of desert? What do you expect for the coming year?
Angela Wallace, Author 
Beautiful post, Angela, and great song! I’m glad you took time to reflect and share it with us. My 2011 was a mix with wonderful growths on the writing front and being able to expand my writer friendship circle via WANA711 and MyWANA. I also struggled with some moments of self-doubt, the sadness of some deaths and the lingering aftermath of a neck injury. I expect 2012 to be better and different. I’m entering it at a new place and with the knowledge gained from both the trials and happy moments.
Hey Barbara! Oh yes, and meeting all my wana711 peeps was also a bountiful part of 2011! Not to mention social media in general. I’m glad your trials brought you to a better place. That’s what they’re supposed to do. I hope 2012 brings you many successes. 🙂
I can’t eat gluten either, it sucks big time at first. Mostly because I LOVE bread, but now I just smell it and sometimes even suck the butter off it! But I feel SO much better now and can walk without pain, so that makes it worth it!! Congrats on doing it and keep up the good work!
Hey Jillian. I’ve been allergic to gluten for eight years, and only off it for four months. I’m not sure if I feel much better yet, but I know it will take a long time to repair all the damage I did. Still, I’m really happy I’ve made it this far! 🙂
Beautiful, Angela! What a great year you’ve had. I’m so glad I met you and all my MyWANA friends this past year.
I’m not gluten free yet, that’s a goal for this year. But, I am off bread since June. I’ve lost 52 pounds in 6 months and am getting my health issues under control. 2011 is the year I prioritized my writing life and made a commitment. 2012 will be the year I publish.
“I know my God is with me. He is gracious and merciful, and His promises are true.” What’s left to say to that, but … Amen! 🙂
I hope you have a wonderful, happy, healthy and successful 2012!
Thanks Rhonda! I’m so blessed to have met all MyWana friends too. Good luck with your publishing and your health! If I can do it, you can do it. And you’re worth it. 🙂
I also don’t bother staying up counting the seconds, it is just another day passing like so many others! lol In fact I was tucked up in bed around 10.30pm this year – and probably most other New Year nights also! I have developed a habit of reviewing my year though, not sure why!? It doesn’t change anything… Better though is coming up with my list of new things to try for the new year ahead (I don’t do resolutions) – but after 35 years I’m starting to run out of ideas for new things! yikes
Hey Sharon, it’s good to review where we’ve been so we know where we’re going. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
I’m not much of one to reflect on the past year either. Great post Angela and it sounds like a wonderfully full year. Wishing you the best in 2012.
Thanks, Raelyn. Wishing you a great 2012 too!
Wonderful post Angela and congrats on all you’ve accomplished. I’m so happy you’re feeling better and I’m thrilled about your education achievements and job. I have to say this year taught me to believe in myself and to stretch my limits.
Congrats to you as well, Kate! I know you’ve done a lot this year too, and those are great accomplishments. 🙂
Congratulations on such an awesome year. I hope 2012 gives you even more blessings
Thanks Alica, and the same to you!
Congratulations on a fantastic year!!! I love how you ended this post, “I am not afraid to learn faith.” 🙂
For me, 2011 was a harvest also. A wonderful year of growth and breaking free from old ways that had held me back.
Can’t wait to follow your 2012 accomplishments. You are an amazing person, Angela.
Thank you, Bridgette. 🙂 I think all of us wana711 peeps have accomplished so much in the last few months. Congrats on all you’ve done!
What a year of success! I’m so happy for you and feel that with all of those wheels rolling, 2012 will be even better.
Thanks Patricia! I’m inspired to set some big goals this year in both of my professions. Happy New Year!
You have certainly accomplished a lot this year and should be proud of yourself. Every one of those things requires a lot of work. Hope this next year is just as fruitful for you 🙂
Thanks Susan. 🙂 Having the support of so many awesome people like you and My Wana buddies has really made the difference!
Thanks for this blog. I am copying the harvest prayer and posting it on the bulletin board by my computer desk.
I love the idea of the harvest.
I feel that I did more planting than harvesting in 2011. I did publish my novel Thicker Than Water (Brands Crossing Series) which was the culmination of several years of work. Then I worked on establishing my social network platform (blog, website, twitter, facebook, linked-in) and connecting with other writers through those channels. I took classes and studied and planted. I feel 2012 will be a year of harvesting, tilling the soil, planting new seeds, grafting, pruning and nurturing existing plants. I am excited and ready to go to work.
Sharon, those are all huge undertakings! I’m sure 2012 will be a season of harvesting the fruits of all the work you’ve done. Congrats. 🙂
Lovely post, sweet girl! Good on you for seeing your gluten addiction for what it is and saying no to it. Three months is amazing and you’re on your way to a lifetime of better health just from that small change. I’m so proud of you! That health scare was terrifying for your WANA family, too.
You accomplished so much last year! Here’s to even more accomplishments this year and a full cycle of good health for you!
Thank you, Tameri. 🙂 I’m so thankful for my WANA family! Here’s to a great new year for all of us!
Great post. Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Vix!
Fantastic Post! I’m so glad 2011 rocked for you! And 2012 is going to be that much better!! Happy New Year!
Thanks Elena! I think 2012 is going to be awesome just because of all the wonderful people I’ll be sharing it with! 🙂
Kudos to you on a great post. I really love the song. It’s wonderful that you have gone gluten free. I have done that a few times in my life but nothing sticks. My mother has been gluten free (not by choice) for years. There are some wonderful options out there if you are looking for them. One great source to try is the Gluten Free Pantry on-line. They have the best coffee cake mix. Yum!
Hey Debra! Oh, I know of the Gluten Free Pantry. And Gluten Free Mall. Plus the regular grocery stores are carrying more and more items now, which is fabulous. I’m always gluten free at home. My problem was an addiction to fast food with gluten in it. Very happy to have broken that. 🙂