The Year in Review: My Top 5 Posts of 2013

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!

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?

2. Inspired by Unbrave Girl: Facing My Insecurities Sally, AKA Unbrave Girl, kick-started this challenge when she realized she mostly took head shots and discussed how many of us shy away from showing our full bodies. Don’t we all go to one side or angle ourselves just so in front of the camera so as to hide certain parts of ourselves? I have never been a fan of my thighs, but reading Sally’s post and the many other bloggers who responded inspired me to take the Full Body Challenge, too.

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.

What will 2014 bring? I can say for sure that there will be more adventures, more gratitude, more openness, and much, much more to share with you. Thank you for your readership and your kindness. Thank you so much for supporting me and my blog, through the absences, the tears and the joys.

(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