Happy end of the year, friends! 2013 was a landmark year for me, and despite not sticking to a regular blogging schedule, I’m proud of what I did accomplish and the connections I made through Sweet and Savoring.
In the spirit of getting back into the swing of things, here are my Top 5 Most Popular Posts of 2013:
5. My Life Experiences: Looking Back with Appreciation Just as this post looks back on this year’s highlights, My Life Experiences looked back on every unique, challenging, adventurous and noteworthy thing I’ve done in my life. Everyone should create a Reverse Bucket List! It’s so much fun!
One of my first hostel experiences in Stockholm, Sweden, 2005
4. Depression Feels Like This. This year, more than ever, I practiced vulnerability and conquering fear. Opening up about my depression has been a huge milestone for me– to get such wonderful feedback from all of you has made it even easier. Thank you for your support.
3. Things to Look Forward to About Autumn. This year has also been about focusing on the positive. Since autumn is when Seasonal Affective Disorder rears its ugly head, why not consciously make plans and dwell on what I love about the season rather than dread its coming like I usually do?
![The Year in Review: My Top 5 Posts of 2013 - Sweet and Savoring [photo by Andy Milford]](https://i2.wp.com/sweetandsavoring.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/10565295214_f898f2db99_z.jpg?resize=550%2C326 "The Year in Review: My Top 5 Posts of 2013 - Sweet and Savoring [photo by Andy Milford]")
Our second anniversary visit to Poet’s Walk Park in October
1. Depression Feels Like This, Part Two: A Conversation with My Husband This post was far and away the most popular one I have ever published, in terms of shares, tweets, comments, and the conversations it sparked. I was blown away! My intention here was not just to shine a light on what depression feels like firsthand, but what it’s like for the partners and loved ones of those suffering from depression. I had never asked Andy these questions before, and I knew I couldn’t be the only one who would benefit from hearing his answers. I’m so glad reading this helped so many of you.
![The Year in Review: My Top 5 Posts of 2013 - Sweet and Savoring [photo by Andy Milford]](https://i1.wp.com/sweetandsavoring.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/9548993509_d8acd14730_z.jpg?resize=640%2C426 "The Year in Review: My Top 5 Posts of 2013 - Sweet and Savoring [photo by Andy Milford]")
Andy and I on the Brooklyn Bridge in August
(Really, where would any of us be if we didn’t have each other?)
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This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being thoroughly worn out before you are thrown on the scrap heap; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. –George Bernard Shaw
I’m so glad you did this year in review, because I missed your Facing My Insecurities post. I really liked that one! I will admit that I have body image issues, so I tend to only post head shots. I need to follow in your footsteps and learn to love my body for the way it is!
Kristen recently posted…Trying to put some good back out there
I think acceptance of our bodies is a constant practice, you know? Just today I was looking at some photos from a recent NYC trip, deciding which ones to use for a post, and I was feeling pretty hesitant about including some of them. ‘Is that really what my lower half looks like now?’ I asked myself. But so what? Maybe I was wearing lots of layers, and maybe I’ve gained a few. Either way, I don’t have anything to hide.
I really like the Henry David Thoreau picture and I love the quote at the bottom of the post!
I really appreciate you saying this, Meg, since I spent a particularly long time trying to find just the right picture and ending quote to go with this post!
Courage, gratitude, depression, body image and insecurities while embracing the positives in the seasons. I am new here and can already tell what an inspiration you must be for many people. You must have bucket loads of that delicious courage. Awsome posts.
Karen Main recently posted…Why absolutely nothing is wrong with a messy, ugly cry
Oh, thank you so much, Karen! I love that you came over here and said such sweet things 🙂
These posts are really great — I especially enjoyed the one with your husband’s perspective on depression. That really made me think about my own relationship with my boyfriend and how it affects him. And of course, I am so glad to be mentioned with regards to the reverse bucket list! THANKS! Oh, what a great blogging year for you! 🙂
My pleasure, Erika! You’ve inspired me in so many ways, so it’s nice to be able to give back. Sounds like you’ve had quite a noteworthy year, too!
I think your depression post was the first post of yours that I read! And then I did go back to read old posts, and also kept up with current posts. I’m not even sure how I “met” you, but I read them all.
Tamara recently posted…Do I Want a Third Baby?
I think we met through SITS, and thank you so much for coming back and reading my posts, Tamara! Happy New Year to you!
I really enjoyed the facing my insecurities post too- I struggle to accept my body as it is as well and its always comforting to know I’m not alone with this issue!
Corlie recently posted…Wordless Wednesday – island time
Hi Corlie, I think it’s a universal issue. Thanks for checking out the post and may we both work on self-acceptance!
Great compilation. Depression is such a hard topic and you are so open and honest – I have several family members that face this and sometimes it is hard to be a supportive family member without crossing a line. Hope your new year is filled with happiness!
Thanks, Raquel- I admit I have a hard time when friends are depressed even though I know what it’s like firsthand.
[…] ninth day of the new year and I’m only publishing this list now. Last year, I had fun sharing my most popular posts of the year with you and it’s a nice way to see what’s doing well on the blog (i.e., what to […]