Why 2012 Was Made of Awesome (Rachel Harris)

2012 was made of awesome for many reasons. Sure, it wasn’t perfect, but it was filled with moments of pure perfection. This was the year I attended my first big conference as a published author. This was the year I saw a book I wrote on a bookstore shelf. And this was the year I sat on an author panel and actually sounded like I knew what I was talking about.

I hung out with some of my favorite authors… and totally fangirled. I had drinks with my publisher and didn’t stammer uncontrollably. (Okay, maybe I stammered a little). I had book signings and guest speaking opportunities and met countless fantabulous bloggers and readers who not only read my book, but also said sweet, mind-boggling things about it. I grew in my craft, challenged myself and pushed the boundaries of what I was comfortable with, and dreamed big.

But I think that at the end of the day, even with all that in mind, my favorite thing about 2012 was seeing the smiles on my daughters’ faces the day my book was released. Hearing their squeals as they danced around Barnes and Noble, because yes, they are my children, and we do participate in public displays of giddiness. And listening to the stories they’ve created the past year, believing now that they too can become authors someday.

See, my dreaming big has encouraged my children to do the same. It has inspired them to pursue their passions and believe that nothing is impossible if we want it badly enough and are willing to work hard to achieve it. The cool thing is that I homeschool my children and every day we discuss big ideas and learn amazing facts, but I don’t know if any of those things are more important than the lesson this experience has taught them.

Now that 2012 is dwindling to a few short weeks, I can see how much I’ve grown the last twelve months. I see the things I did well and cringe at those I rather sucked at. And I move forward into 2013 with a full plate of writing books and attending even more conferences and events where I’m sure I’ll fangirl on even more authors. But it’s my hope that as all that is happening, I never lose the sense of excitement and wonder that this year has brought. This profound feeling of blessing. I’m doing what I love and people are reading what I write. Seriously, how cool is that?

So, dear friends and readers, as another year comes to a close, my wish is that each of your 2013s be filled excitement, wonder, and blessing, whatever it is you are hoping to achieve. Dream big; know that nothing is impossible. And take a moment to fangirl over your favorite authors if you see them. It keeps you young.

What have been YOUR favorite moments of 2012? Any hopes for 2013? Come chat with me in the comments :)