Reflections of 2011

I came across this post on Simple Mom and thought it was worthy of sharing.  These are really thought provoking questions and took me all week to answer, granted I had little snippets of time to do a few here or there...

Below are 20 questions I found to use  as a springboard to reflect on the past 365 days. Use these Reflection Questions however you see fit. Feel free to think over these throughout your day. But if you’d like to be a bit more intentional with them, every year I provide a free PDF download over on Simple Mom — head over there to download the document.

Want to answer these questions solo? Grab a cup of coffee and a pen, and use the space provided on the first three pages of the free download. Want to chat over the answers with your spouse or with friends? Use the last page to cut each question into squares, and then toss them in a hat to draw, one at a time.

Then tomorrow, head over to Simple Mom for another round of questions. This time, you’ll look ahead at 2011. What are your plans? Your hopes? What would you like to happen for you
personally, for your children, for your family? Be intentional, and jot down some ideas so that you can create a workable plan.

20 Questions for a New Year’s Eve Reflection

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?

Really!!  Probably going on my 1st mission trip with our church to Eleuthera, Bahamas.

2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?

Deciding to pull Evelyn out of school and homeschool her. 

3. What was an unexpected joy this past year?

Weird, but my loving hubby getting me a coffee pot, Kreuig, for Christmas.  He always gives me such a hard time about drinking coffee that I would of never thought in a million years he would get me one!!! (told you it was weird)

4. What was an unexpected obstacle?

not sure, still thinking about this one...

5. Pick three words to describe 2011.

Fast, Joyful, Learning

6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2010 (don’t ask them; guess based on how you think your spouse sees you).

Interesting, educational, family

7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their 2011 (again, without asking).

work, family, over

8. What were the best books you read this year?

Bible (always a good one), too many others to list...plus, I pass them one, so I don't still have them. 

9. With whom were your most valuable relationships?

many to treasure, but my hubby is always my MOST valuable, my best friend Kerry, my sister Karen-love her to pieces, even when moody;) <3 ya! My Mom-biggest supporter and inspiring to me, and my mentor Judy S.- so glad we were matched up!

10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?

losing weight, but still have a ways to go... Becoming more involved with reading my Bible and doing devotional studies

11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?

again, at a loss here

12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?

being committed to do devotional study really helps, going on a mission trip alone (no one from my family went with me)

13. In what way(s) did you grow physically?

Running a mile without stopping, not a huge deal to some, but big to me!!!  

14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?

Being more understandable, getting over the little things, and putting self in other's shoes, be more compassionate

15. What was the most enjoyable part of your work (both professionally and at home)?

Knowing what I say or do does influence my girls (the good stuff)  I love when I hear them or see them doing what I've talked to them about. 

16. What was the most challenging part of your work (both professionally and at home)?

Being a domestic engineer, always being at home!

17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?

Internet, duh, but without it I would be lost! LOL

18. What was the best way you used your time this past year?

finally getting trademark approved for Ag Life.  So Internet and computer, LOL!!  Going to be making stickers, shirts, hats, etc...

19. What was biggest thing you learned this past year?

That it is not about me, that it is about doing my best and believing, knowing that God does fulfill me, no matter what others think.  I don't have to use certain language or special talks to inspire my girls.  I don't have to put on a persona, I am just keepin' it real and being me!  

20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2011 for you.

2011 may be over, but aiming to make it a better 2012

Happy reflecting!