looking back before looking forward

#midlife blog crestingthehill.com.au

The end of the year brings with it a time of reflection and I'm sure there will be a lot of blogs looking back over the year that has been and almost gone. I think it's good to look back in a positive way - not to regret what's happened, but to look at how far we've come over the 12 months that have passed.

I have had a really positive 2015 - far more positive than some of the years leading up to it. In those years I had upheavals in my marriage, my dad was placed into care with his dementia being too much for my mum to deal with, my husband lost his job, my job sucked.....and the list goes on. 2015 saw some changes to those setbacks and I'd like to share a few before we launch off into 2016.

Rather than looking at any bad bits of 2015 (of which there were surprisingly few), I'd like to list some of the really good things that I am celebrating (I'll link a few of them if you'd like more details!)

This was a huge step for me - leaving the familiar behind and resigning with no new job on the horizon. The blessing was finding that there were plenty of jobs out there for midlifers and I found a new one a few weeks later. It's been the best thing I could have done for my sanity - leaving the drama behind and freeing up my time for more of what I'd like to do instead of the daily grind.

This is our first grandbaby and it is just so exciting for the whole family. Our son and daughter-in-law were trying for a few months and were relieved when everything fell into place. Our daughter is ecstatic about becoming an aunt and we are over the moon about becoming grandparents. The baby is being referred to as 'Puddleduck' and already has presents under the tree (although there won't be a physical baby to unwrap presents until next year - it's good to get into practice!)

Actually I started it at the very end of 2014, but 2015 has been the year that I've embraced blogging and other bloggers have embraced me. It's been an eye opener and a wonderfully liberating experience to find that I enjoy it so much and the bonus has been meeting so many lovely fellow blogging friends. I'm really looking forward to what the next 12 months holds. 

After the hits my self esteem has taken in the years before 2015, it has been such a nice surprise to find my feet again and to be smiling more. I feel like I'm truly coming into who I really am as a person and not worrying about fitting in to other people's boxes. I have discovered who my true friends are, re-established the footings of my marriage, left the drama of the crappy job behind and I'm just celebrating this second half of life.

#midlife blog crestingthehill.com.au

So that really sums up my 2015 - it's been a fantastic year in a lot of ways - especially in discovering what is important to me and what to let go through to the keeper. I can't wait to see what 2016 holds in store for me and I am going to enjoy sharing the journey as part of the blogosphere!

#Friday Reflections:  Reflect back on 2015 - the highs and lows, the good and the not so good, the surprises and changes.

44 comments

  1. Good on you for leaving an unhealthy job and embracing a better life! It is so hard to make change, but so worth it. It is wonderful news about little Puddleduck, you will have the best 2016! Can't wait to continue reading your blog next year. Thank you for all your support with Friday Reflections.

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    1. thanks for hosting each week Mackenzie - I love linking up and will hopefully have enough thoughts to keep me going for another year of blogging!

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  2. You have had a great year of change including leaving a job you weren't happy in and then taking on starting a blog. A great year of achievement with more to come next year including a grandchild. Gotta be happy with that. Thank you for your support and friendship it means so much to me.

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    1. Me too Sue - it's nice to have connected with someone who sees the world (and blogging) in the same way! Looking forward to what 2016 has in store for us!!

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  3. I am so glad to hear how this year has brought you such hope for the future! #MBA

    Shellie
    www.thefabjourney.com

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    1. It's nice when life starts to make sense again Shellie - all the turmoil of the kids becoming adults, re-adjustments and ageing parents take their toll. Calmer seas are very relaxing!

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  4. Self-love and discovery are priceless. I still can improve after all the ups and downs of the surgery, but I know the path. It's just a matter to taking one step at a time.
    It was a pleasure to meet and be able to interact with you in 2015, Lea!

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    1. You too Debbie - 2015 has been a great opportunity to connect with some wonderful women like yourself and I am richer for it :)

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  5. Thank you for sharing this so openly and vulnerably. The timing of this is perfect. I appreciate your ability to see good through or in spite of bad and to make effective changes in your circumstances rather than sitting back and letting life happen to you. This is a beautiful and inspiring post. Thank you, again.

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    1. What a lovely comment Regina - thank you so much for stopping by and I think we'll be seeing more of each other in the year ahead!

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  6. It is better to focus on the good, thanks for sharing!

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    1. that moustache is amazing Jennifer - it gets me every time I see it!

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  7. What an exciting year. There is so much we mid-lifers have to contribute and I am inspired by the risks you took. I am facing a job change and will take courage in your example. Congratulations on new grandchild on the way. I have two grandsons and they are the light of our lives. So delightful to be a grandmother!

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    1. Thanks Molly - I was really nervous about quitting my job and it took me too long to make the move. I needed to believe in myself more and the fact that we midlifers still have a lot to offer! I'm very excited about jumping into the grandparent pool - and I envy you having two already!

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  8. A big year! And oh, grandbaby! Lovely. And what's not to like about getting our mojo back. Many blessings to you in the new year!
    Carol Cassara

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    1. Thanks so much Carol - it's been lovely sharing the journey through the year with all you lovely midlife lady bloggers - we're an amazing community!

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  9. Mojo is good! May it continue to flavor your life in 2016!

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    1. thanks Mithra - I'm hoping that now I've found it again I'm not at risk of it disappearing again any time soon!

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  10. And here's to a bright and shining 2016! Love that saying! Adopting it . . .

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    1. Thanks Di - and wishing you a bright and shining 2016 :)

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  11. I agree - no point in worrying about the negative, since there's not much we can do about it! Sounds like a lovely 2015!

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    1. I think when we focus on the good stuff there is a lot to be grateful over a year and the not so wonderful stuff fades into the background if we don't give it too much thought.

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  12. Thanks for sharing all the good stuff,it has just got better and better for you since you left that job. I did the same 18 months ago, it is so liberating.
    Thanks for bringing your cheer to the Blogger's Pit Stop
    Kathleen

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    1. I think being brave and taking the plunge gives us that extra boost of confidence to try new things and realize that we are still valuable Kathleen!

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  13. Kudos to you for having the guts to leave one job without having another one lined up. I admire that. I understand how hard change can be, especially when it comes to work/jobs. I'm glad to hear that it has worked out for you and that you have saved your sanity.

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    1. Thanks so much - it was a case of desperate measures to get out of my old job before it sucked the happiness out of me and I was so relieved to find out I was still employable after 50!

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  14. Sounds like a wonderful year. Wishing you a happy, healthy 2016!

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    1. thanks so much Kay - I think a lot of life is how you choose to look at it :)

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  15. Congratulations on the Grandbaby and your year in blogging! We are coming up on one year too, it's amazing what you can learn in a year!
    I love your positive outlook, and I'm happy to have discovered you today :)

    PS- I am techy at all so I don't know how to tell you to fix this but I read your post earlier and went to tweet it out but your tweet button doesn't give a full tweet, or link to your twitter account. So, I came back and commented, but really wanted to share the positivity!

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    1. thanks so much - I don't have a twitter account (I'm really old :P) there came a point where I had to draw the line with how many social networks I was able to keep up with! So it's blogging, pinterest and facebook for me atm. I love that you wanted to tweet it though and thanks for visiting :)

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  16. Hi Leanne! What a wonderful year you've had. And it has been so nice finding you here on the blogosphere and reading about your positive life changes during 2015. There are indeed some amazing women who blog around the world and it is great to connect with them--and how else would we ever have done it without the internet!?! May your 2016 be even more amazing and I look forward to reading along. ~Kathy

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    1. thanks Kathy - it's been great sharing the journey and you have been an inspiration. I hope you enjoy your three weeks off and I'll be checking out your guest posters until you get back :)

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  17. Not fitting into to other people's boxes! That's a great milestone and one we can all understand. I'm glad we've found one another's blogs! Here's to getting to know more about women who are "celebrating midlife."

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    1. It's been lovely connecting with you Brenda - I really admire how much you've embraced life after the knocks life sent you.....I'm working on being the same - looking at the positive and celebrating 2016 :)

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  18. It's been one hell of a year! Can't wait to see what's in store for 2016!

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    1. it's going to be a good one Rena - and we'll be following along with each other all the way!

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  19. You have a lot of exciting things going on, Leeann. I think remembering to give forgiveness is a great gift the the forgiven and the forgiver. Thanks for sharing your wise words at the Over the Moon Link Party.

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    1. my pleasure Sandy - it's so nice to be part of such a great link up (and to share it with you lovely ladies!)

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  20. Wow! That is a fantastic year and so many congratulations in order! The grandbaby, the job, the blog and your mojo :)

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    1. thanks so much Marie - I think a lot of life is how you choose to look at it and how you tackle the difficult parts. Things often work out when we look at them from a positive viewpoint.

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  21. Wishing you a wonderful and positive 2016!

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    1. You too Haralee - and I hope your Christmas is lovely too xx

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  22. I'm so happy for you! It really does sound like 2015 was a wonderful time of growth and positivity. :) Hoping for more of the same in 2016.... and hurray for little Puddleduck!

    Thank you for sharing at Friday Frivolity last month -- I'm late catching up, but oh-so happy to have had the opportunity to smile and applaud your good news!

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Thanks so much for your comment - it's where the connection begins.