The years really do seem to pick up speed when you are in the prime of your life. I can't believe how much has happened in the past year....it's been the most life-altering, intense, eventful year I've ever known. And as much as I am grateful for it, I'm glad to let it go and start something new.
On that note, I've been purging my physical and emotional life lately. It began as a subconscious act as I suddenly found myself digging through old boxes and shredding letters from former loves (the ones that call up unpleasant memories that is); taking stock of the photos I have framed and changing them to reflect pleasant memories and faces I adore; tossing items that have negative emotions attached to them, and so on. And, I have to say, it's feel fantastic! I am truly shedding the pieces of me that no longer fit; ridding myself of emotions I've held onto for far too long and all in all, beginning anew with a bright future and new husband by my side.
As I prepare myself for a new beginning, I am naturally looking back to put in perspective how far I've come. In that regard, here is my list of my Top 10 Favorite Moments of 2010:
1. October 16: my wedding day.
I will never forget the perfect contentment and overwhelming love I felt on this day. It was such an accurate reflection of Alex and I as a couple--emotional and heartfelt ceremony, rustic, woodsy setting in the Vermont mountains, fun music and crazy dancing and good times with incredible friends and family.
2. My honeymoon to Antigua.
3. Camping in the Adirondacks and roadtripping throughout all of New York state.
Alex and I decided on a low key adventure this past summer, given we had a wedding and honeymoon coming up. We had a blast sleeping under the Adirondack stars, hiking up incredible mountains, driving 6 hours to Niagara Falls only to discover that it was not worth our time, and enjoying the silence and peace of the beautiful New York forests.
4. My bachelorette party in New York.
This was not your typical crazy drinking fest. It was an incredible girls weekend away filled with secret swapping and long talks about taboo subjects...amazing. I felt so blessed to celebrate with such sweet, interesting friends. I love you all!
5. Getting my first paycheck for doing what I love: photography!
6. July, 9: my 30th birthday.
I didn't have a negative association with turning 30. Instead I felt excited to begin a new chapter in my life. My adoring husband made me a book filled with lists of 30--30 moments in Alexa's life, 30 things that make Alexa unique, 30 things I love about Alexa, 30 amazing moments in our relationship, etc. He gave this to me in the Berkshire mountains where he took me for a stay at Kripalu Yoga Center....my fav.
7. January: I became a grateful member of Al Anon.
The reason I mention Al Anon so often is because my life as I know it would not exist without it. It took me a long time to finally enter those rooms, but it was the best thing I ever did for myself. Now I enjoy a feeling of peace and freedom in life that I never knew was possible.
8. June 29: Phish show in Canandaigua, New York.
Alex and I LOVE our Phish shows, but this was our best experience yet! We ended up in this tiny town in the Fingerlakes of New York state just for the Phish show, but it ended up being an incredible place to visit. And the venue was teeny tiny given the location, which is what made is AMAZING! We sat in the 3rd row, made long eye contact with all the band members and lost ourself in the music. I guess you have to be a Phish fan to understand though:) The best way I can explain it is to say it's like blindly grabbing someone's hand and allowing them to lead you into magical, strange, sometimes possessed worlds. It's a journey.....so incredible.
Always a favorite in my book! I feel so grateful for all of Natalie's visits!! I'm so lucky to have such an incredibly sweet, creative, talented, FUN, and photogenic friend. I think part of the fun for us is the months and months before each trip that we spend brainstorming photography ideas and planning out our projects. Not to mention, I've been SO lucky this year because Natalie has come to visit twice and she'll be here a third time next week! Yipee!
10. February 9: I began this blog!
I began this blog during the time when I was starting my photography business, as a way to share some of my work and experience as an artist. But, it has evolved into so much more than that. I recently overhauled my blog--changing the name, the layout, the intention. It feels more genuine and though I have no idea where it will lead me, I believe it will lead to something great.
It's been a great year! Happy New Year's everyone! I hope you look at this new beginning as an opportunity to reshape your life in ways that light your soul on fire!
xo
Love it all. I hope 2011 will bring you just as many adventures!
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