Reflecting on 2012

It's the time of year when us overachievers take a moment to look at our life, look at our choices, and write about it on the internet. I am no exception, and have spent a wonderful holiday week hanging out with my family, relaxing, reflecting, and strategic planning the crap out of 2013. The world did not end this year, but there were times in these last 12 months, that I felt like I was acting like it was.

I did some big, scary things this year.

And to be honest, not all of it has turned out ok.

I'm broke. I got my heart broken. I have no idea what my life might look like in the next 2 months, let alone year, and this scares me.

However, I don't think I've ever lived more authentically, and now that I'm getting a clearer picture of how to do that, and what that means to me, there's no turning back.

If there's one thing I can take away from this year, it's that things are so much less scary on the other side.

And while some of the downsides to my decisions have certainly sucked, suckiness is temporary, and there is also so much good that has come out of it.  I would do every moment of 2012 again, without hesitation.

I am so grateful to be doing what I'm doing. To wake up in the morning excited, and to be challenged and learning on a daily basis. I am blown away by the people that have come into my life this past year, and am amazed by the connections that have been strengthened with people I've known. I love the city I call home, and am thankful for my body and the physical shape I am in.

2012 was scary, and hard, but omg so much fun. And now that I'm safely on the other side of some of those big risky decisions, I am excited to go into 2013. To spend less attention and energy on worry and fear, and more focus on who and what I love.

I'll be ringing in the new year in two nights with some of my favorite people and lots of Prosecco. Then, it's time to get to work. There's a lot to do and look forward to on the other side.

2012... I Knew I liked Pittsburgh for a Reason

So is everyone familiar with the 2012 Phenomenon?  If not, here's a link to the Wikipedia article on it.

Basically, December 21, 2012 (12-21-12) is the end of a 5, 125 year long cycle in the Mayan calendar, and as such, all kinds of craziness is supposed to occur on this date.

Some say this is when the world will end, which, I'd kind of like a few more years if possible.  I've got some stuff to do.  Others predict that this date will be the start of a huge cultural shift that will essentially change life as we know it.  Either way, something big is allegedly happening on this date.

Now, the ancient Mayans also believed that the world was supported on the back of a giant sea turtle, so of course I take everything they say with a grain of salt, but there is a part of this 2012 Prediction that I will happily buy into.

Apparently, there is a place on earth that will be the Power Point or Point of Light during this cultural shift, or a place that is spared from Natural disaster.  This place is said to be at the convergence of 3 rivers.  Sound familiar?  That's right, Pittsburgh!

The point, has been a sacred sight forever, hosting holy rituals performed by native americans, and believing to be a portal into other worlds.  Pittsburgh's 3 rivers, plus the 4th underground "hidden" river, as well as the Allegheny Mountains makes for a place of great energy.

"If you live in Pittsburgh, you are here for an important reason: to witness, nurture, and transmit the pure incoming light of this universal portal. Being aware of the legacy of our ancient landscape is crucial in the evolution of consciousness of this planet and our species at this time.”

So there you go, we're rated the Most Livable City in America, AND we have a universal portal.  I don't believe in miracles, I believe in Pittsburgh!