Anna of Dear Friend: Let's Dance

Today Anna of Dear Friend is telling us about her hopes for 2012. Anna is a blogging friend turned real friend. She is one of the sweetest people I have ever encountered. Anna is so full of positivity and because of that is so much fun to be around. I really hate being clear across the country from her now. Enjoy her post. It's a perfect glimpse of who she is and what her blog is like. 

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Hey there, everyone! So nice to meet you! I’m Anna from over at Dear Friend and I’m so happy to be here today guest posting on Beaktweets. Claire and I became real life friends back in Boston and now that she’s across the country we continue to keep in touch daily through through our blogs and twitter. What would we do without them?!

So this is a post about 2012: To the unknown that lies ahead, and the excitement and curiosity of wondering what surprises it will bring. But before 2012, I’d like to take just a moment to reflect on 2011. Because for me, it was a great year. I’ve made more memories than I can count with the people who are dearest to me and I am thankful everyday for this beautiful life.

As I embark on the new year I am excited for lots of new things (many of which are unknown at this point), but also the ability to practice some of the old things in my life as well.

Here are some things I want to remember as I dance through 2012:

Slow down.

In this busy place called life it’s so important to take the time to enjoy the little things. Stop and take pictures. Read more books. Call your friends. Write handwritten letters. Dance around your apartment. Take in the sunsets. Relish in old photographs. Give long hugs. Be yourself.

Try your best.

As a teacher, it’s easy to get caught up in what’s missing in education. And on a larger scale, as humans it's easy to get caught up in the things we cannot do rather than rejoicing in the things we can. So let’s not remember to look closely at what’s there. Take time for each individual task. Arrive early, don’t stay too late. Have fun. Be silly. Be honest. Be proud.

Keep in touch.

Family and friends are everything. Be present. Stay connected. Remember birthdays. Write emails. Call home. Be conscious of those who've made you the unique person you are today. Listen, talk, be there for the people who are most important to you. Show appreciation. Give thanks. Say I love you.

Smile.

Look for the happy in things. Lend a hand. Be spontaneous. Wherever there is darkness remember the light is somewhere close by. Show empathy and compassion. Make someone feel good and important. Give compliments. Pay it forward. Spread joy. Show love. BE KIND.

The new year is closer than we think and I'm really looking forward to it. I wish you all these things and more as you dance into 2012 as well. Above all things I wish you happiness and good health-- and a glass of bubbly with your favorites. Cheers! ♥

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Now go check out Anna's blog!