This brings me to an idea:...

Sometimes it's really that simple, isn't it? I feel a little stupid for not thinking of this myself/earlier, though.

I cannot believe this is true!

I cannot believe this will work!

Thanks for this inspiring post. Hope its not too late to have my own completion ritual.

This brings me to an idea:...

Great idea, thanks for this tip!

Acknowledge: I acknowledge that 2009 was a year when I finally and honestly dived deep within myself and started to sort things out and establish peace within myself. It was a year of looking back, in order to move forward.

Grieve: I grieved for the separation from my son, but used this to establish a deeper connection with him.

Declare: I declare that 2010 is the year I move forward without fear and with contentment in my heart.

I want to acknowledge myself in 2009 for creating a human being :) by giving birth to the most amazing baby girl. My intention was to have an un-medicated birthing experience and I was able to do just that. I 'trusted in the process' of giving birth; stayed connected to and listened to my body. I entered motherhood with empowerment, trust, and faith, and for this, I am proud. I am thankful for the bonding experience my husband and I encountered throughout this new journey of our lives. I am also proud of standing up for myself in the workplace where there was much stress and where I felt I was being taken advantage of since I am a 'yes' type of gal.

I grieve the fact that I spent the first couple months of my pregnancy stressed with work issues and pushing myself too much. It was taxing to spend so much of my time on something that in the big scheme of things, is not important. For this, I also forgive myself.

2009 was a year of surprises, uncertainty, fear, faith, trust, hope, and love abound. It was a year of excitement and uncertainty, and also the best year of my life because I welcomed to the world my baby girl.

2009, I thank you for what you taught me and declare you COMPLETE! Goodbye!

I am a bit late in saying good-by to 2009--not surprising since I am a procastinator par excellence. However, I hope to improve upon that in 2010.
I will acknowlege in 2009 that I was able to ask for and receive for help in dealing with a very difficult situation. It has not always been easy for me to share difficult emotions and to allow myself to be seen as anything other than strong and unaffected by life's buffeting winds.

There was a shocking, traumatic and shattering experience that I survived in 2009. It was physically difficult because of the emotions that were brought up in such an unexpected way. I was caught completely off guard by someone's callous and cruel behavior---something I could never have imagined one human being doing to another. I was so grateful and humbled by the reactions and help I was given by those close to me. I felt very loved and cared for in a way that brought me to tears on many occassions. Even in typing this now I feel the emotion brought close to the surface. It showed me the kindness and understanding of my nearest and dearest. I hope I will be able to show the same care and attention in the future when someone opens their heart to me and needs my help.

I hope that 2010 is a year of healing and bringing my heart back to being open. I hope I can let go of the cynicsm and hopelessness I have felt. I will take care of myself in a way I haven't always done and allow myself the time and space I need to move forward in my usual optimistic, happy way. Good-by to 2009 and Hello 2010.

I declare 2009 complete. I look forward to beginning my new journey with you all at Mondo Beyondo.

I am a bit late in saying good-by to 2009--not surprising since I am a procastinator par excellence. However, I hope to improve upon that in 2010.
I will acknowlege in 2009 that I was able to ask for and receive for help in dealing with a very difficult situation. It has not always been easy for me to share difficult emotions and to allow myself to be seen as anything other than strong and unaffected by life's buffeting winds.

There was a shocking, traumatic and shattering experience that I survived in 2009. It was physically difficult because of the emotions that were brought up in such an unexpected way. I was caught completely off guard by someone's callous and cruel behavior---something I could never have imagined one human being doing to another. I was so grateful and humbled by the reactions and help I was given by those close to me. I felt very loved and cared for in a way that brought me to tears on many occassions. Even in typing this now I feel the emotion brought close to the surface. It showed me the kindness and understanding of my nearest and dearest. I hope I will be able to show the same care and attention in the future when someone opens their heart to me and needs my help.

I hope that 2010 is a year of healing and bringing my heart back to being open. I hope I can let go of the cynicsm and hopelessness I have felt. I will take care of myself in a way I haven't always done and allow myself the time and space I need to move forward in my usual optimistic, happy way. Good-by to 2009 and Hello 2010.

I declare 2009 complete. I look forward to beginning my new journey with you all at Mondo Beyondo.

I am a bit late in saying good-by to 2009--not surprising since I am a procastinator par excellence. However, I hope to improve upon that in 2010.
I will acknowlege in 2009 that I was able to ask for and receive for help in dealing with a very difficult situation. It has not always been easy for me to share difficult emotions and to allow myself to be seen as anything other than strong and unaffected by life's buffeting winds.

There was a shocking, traumatic and shattering experience that I survived in 2009. It was physically difficult because of the emotions that were brought up in such an unexpected way. I was caught completely off guard by someone's callous and cruel behavior---something I could never have imagined one human being doing to another. I was so grateful and humbled by the reactions and help I was given by those close to me. I felt very loved and cared for in a way that brought me to tears on many occassions. Even in typing this now I feel the emotion brought close to the surface. It showed me the kindness and understanding of my nearest and dearest. I hope I will be able to show the same care and attention in the future when someone opens their heart to me and needs my help.

I hope that 2010 is a year of healing and bringing my heart back to being open. I hope I can let go of the cynicsm and hopelessness I have felt. I will take care of myself in a way I haven't always done and allow myself the time and space I need to move forward in my usual optimistic, happy way. Good-by to 2009 and Hello 2010.

I declare 2009 complete. I look forward to beginning my new journey with you all at Mondo Beyondo.

1. What do you want to acknowledge yourself for in regard to 2009?
2009 was the year I started my new card making business called Green Pepper Greetings. It was a year in which my courage and strength was continually tested both professionally (my job which pays the bills) and personally (life changing events). 2009 was the year I started to become me.

2. What is there to grieve about 2009?
2009 marked the end of my 13 year marriage as well as the death of my 17 year old cat Shelby who was by my side throughout the end of my marriage.

3. What else do you need to say about the year to declare it complete?
Goodbye 2009. Thank you for the lessons learned and for being able to once again look to the future with optimism and hope.

Completing 2009

1. What do you want to acknowledge yourself for in regard to 2009?

For taking the time to make my beloved pa the center of my universe for one month while he died. For stretching and growing and allowing our boundaries as father and daughter to disintegrate. To allow only love to reign in the midst of fear, confusion, anger and despair. For having the strength to help him die at home and telling him it was ok to let go and leave us, that we would miss him, but we would be ok and crying openly as I said it while gazing into his eyes less than a foot from mine. For giving him medicine without being able to ask for his permission at the end when he became agitated to allow him to rest peacefully and not fight.

2. What is there to grieve about 2009?

My pa isn’t here beside me anymore.

3. What else do you need to say about the year to declare it complete?

I made it. 2009 challenged me in ways I never know I could be and made me grow tremendously. I’m ready for a new year. I’m done with 2009.

4. What is your intention for 2010?

Making my dreams come true--- finding my soulmate, starting a family, getting physically stronger and cultivating a more creative career.

My word just arrived in my head and felt right straight away!

It's INDEPENDENCE - emotional independence (being able to emotionally support myself without neediness of others), independence of thought (knowing what I believe and feeling secure in that), and independence to live and travel alone happily, which I am kicking off with a six week trip to New Zealand.

I was a bit sceptical at first but I found the ritual and the choosing of my word very opening! Thank you :)

i shared my 2009 completion questions and answers on my blog tonight.. thank you for this!
http://kimklassen.blogspot.com/2010/01/2009-completion.html

2010 - New Beginnings and new innner awareness! Wow. That is more than trying to lose weight!

2009 - Saying good bye to a good year - but saying hello to a soon to be great year!

1. I created a strong family in 2009. We are bound together and happy. I did lose weight. I choose to be honest in the face of despair and kept my integrity when faced with less than honorable choices. I am proud of that.

2. I was disappointed that I didn't stay on track financially. When Andy lost his job it was scary and we did well but could have managed it better. I can forgive myself for not completely letting go of the good old days.

3. I survived and am ready to thrive.

4. I will not rush 2010. This is the year that I will take the time to experience.

I'm starting Mondo Beyondo on Monday, so I would like to 'officially' complete 2009 before that.

1. What do you want to acknowledge yourself for in regard to 2009?

I would like to acknowledge myself for not giving up. For taking important decisions (getting married, buying a house, enrolling in university) and accepting the responsibilities that come with it. For finding my way back to the me that I like. For getting closer to accepting I am not, and will never be, perfect.

2. What is there to grieve about 2009?
I grieve, but accept, all the months spent in such a deep funk that all I could do was decide to last another second (repeating this second after second). I forgive myself for thinking I could do it all, and wasting so much time of my life trying not to accept the inevitable.

3. What else do you need to say about the year to declare it complete?
2009 was a really rough year, a year in which all the shit piling up from 2006 onwards came tumbling down. The good thing was: once it came down, I could finally use the energy previously spent on keeping it up to step over that pile and move on. And I have to say: 2009 ended in such high spirits, I have nothing but good hopes for 2010.

I declare 2009 complete!

2010 will be my year of PLAY and NURTURE. Starting with Mondo Beyondo!

Thank you for the post and idea to say "so long!" to 2009.

1. In 2009, I started to see things with a new perspective. I became more optimistic and started to create. I am proud of how far I've come since last year and excited about what lies ahead.

2. I went through a tough time in April of last year, after a very sad personal loss. It caused me to take a close look at my life and see that I was becoming numb inside. Fortunately, it lit a fire under me that's still burning strong and bright into this New Year. Although I was very sad at the time, it was a catalyst, and I wouldn't want to change where I am or how I feel today.

3. Thank you, 2009, for bringing me to this new place of creativity and community! I declare you complete!

2010 is my year for doing the work and living a creative life! Bring it!

Damn, that sound's so easy if you think about it.

Damn, that sound's so easy if you think about it.

Great idea, but will this work over the long run?

Although I'm keeping it close for personal reasons, I will say that this has been one of the hardest years I've ever had -- full of self-doubt and the inertia that self-doubt brings with it. But I'm acknowledging myself for sticking it out in a new country and a new country, and accomplishing all that I have despite everything. I am ready to slip off the layers of self-doubt and disappointment that are holding me down, and I am officially declaring 2009 complete. I am ready to create a 2010 full of energy and freedom.

Thanks for this exercise, it has been enormously helpful in letting go of a difficult year and focusing my energy on the new and fresh one to come.

Although I'm keeping it close for personal reasons, I will say that this has been one of the hardest years I've ever had -- full of self-doubt and the inertia that self-doubt brings with it. But I'm acknowledging myself for sticking it out in a new country and a new country, and accomplishing all that I have despite everything. I am ready to slip off the layers of self-doubt and disappointment that are holding me down, and I am officially declaring 2009 complete. I am ready to create a 2010 full of energy and freedom.

Thanks for this exercise, it has been enormously helpful in letting go of a difficult year and focusing my energy on the new and fresh one to come.

http://thecrabbucket.wordpress.com/2009/12/21/superhero-for-hire/

Andrea, yet again you inspire me. THANK YOU!

my declaration:

http://stickingtothepoint.squarespace.com/blog/2009/12/20/forward-never-straight.html

My declaration:
http://stickingtothepoint.squarespace.com/blog/2009/12/20/forward-never-straight.html

1. 2009 was the year I accepted this new life as Home and settled in, found some new friends and creative outlets, found myself joyously pregnant at 45 and began nesting.

2. Grieving (still) the loss of that pregnancy I wanted so very much at 12 weeks. Trying to figure out where to go from here - do I try again, accept that this trip around is childless, what? I hate that I'm not collecting my "baby's first christmas" ornaments and starting new traditions - it hurts so much sometimes. Grieving also, the loss of shared time with my DH as he started a new truck driving job that has him gone two weeks at a time, finding myself falling back on old habits of negative self-care and moping. Wondering if it'll get easier...

3. I declare 2009 complete! 2010 will be a year of healing and more learning about self care. I plan to take a truck driving course so I can spend more time with my DH as we work *together* towards our goals of a new home paid for with cash and a truck of our own so our time becomes our own. Much as I would love to start a family, perhaps it's time to accept the one I have and just enjoy it.

Thank you Andrea for the tools I needed just now. I've been struggling mightily the past few days with this, and this - this is what I needed.

1. Staying myself during a sickening work situation, taking on new freelance challenges, staying close with my three most important people: my mom, casey, and steve, surviving so many trips, deepening my yoga practice, deepening my commitment to creativity with classes and playing at home.

2. The distance with my dad. Distance from my dear friend z. The loss of meaning at work. The creeping loss of my girlish figure.
I forgive myself for not feeling more grateful for everything that is already good in my life.

3. I declare 2009 complete. My intention for 2010 is to create a peaceful, lush, cozy life that is full of wonder and creativity.

2009 has been a very difficult year for me. I did create some fun new friendships and let some hurtful ones go. I ate healthier and exercised more which has been a challenge since having my son. I slowed down in some areas, sped up in some areas and let go of some anger and attachments. I spoke more truth to others in a brave new way and spent more time being present in special moments with my son and husband. I also braved more cooking and baking and learned to make a couple of fun, healthy and tasty recipes. I saw my aging self in the mirror and accepted the beauty and did not criticize or focus on the less favorable parts. I gave more, I prayed more, I worried a tiny bit less and faced death, disappointment and stress with more grace and courage then ever before. I am proud of that.

The lack of true friendship in one maybe two old friends has been truly disappointing, the enormous dysfunction, pain and fracture in our extended family that is out of my control has been very hard and very disappointing.

Going through a miscarriage at ten weeks pregnant has been the hardest thing I have ever faced, the scariest and also most disappointing. I do feel I faced all the physical and emotional challenges that came w/ that w/ grace and courage. I have great hope but it has been truly hard. My father dying while I was going through all of that has been very difficult and it is loaded as I had a very difficult and hurtful relationship w/ him.

Not having my friend bother to call and be there for me in any way before, during or after so much I have been through in the last three years even after I have been there for her in the past so many, many time has been very disappointing and hard to accept.

I grieve for the loss of our second baby all the love, hopes and plans we had for that baby, I grieve for my father's death and the relationship we never had, I grieve for the loss of a friendship that I once valued so much, I grieve for the ugliness and fracture in our extended family.

I forgive myself for not being able to fix all of these things. I forgive myself for not making everything better. I forgive myself for not speaking my truth more in that moment and letting people know what I think I need to let them know. I forgive myself for not being perfect or knowing what the best thing to say or do is. I forgive myself for not being that girl that everyone loves and wants to be friends with. I forgive myself for not being that daughter in-law that everyone thinks is so wonderful. I forgive myself for not being that sister that can forgive all of the cruel words hurled at her when I was on bed rest about to give birth for the first time, I forgive myself for not being the perfect mom, the perfect wife, for not being thinner, prettier, nicer and more likable. I forgive myself for not feeling more organized. I forgive myself for always feeling blamed and misunderstood. I forgive myself for not giving the little girl inside of me more love, more attention and more tender care! I forgive myself for not letting go of the past sooner, I forgive myself for not living more in the present!, I forgive myself for being so hard on myself!

I declare 2009 complete!

I declare 2010 the year of self-care (physically, emotionally and creativity wise), joy, abundance in love, good health, fun, family, friendship and personal finance! 2010 this my year for taking my life and living to the fullest!

2009 was a year of change for me. I moved with my 2 year old son across the country to start a new life in the countryside where I am orinially from. It was also a move away from a very unhealty situation with my ex-partner (which was already an ex for half a year) but still is the father of my child and used to abuse his status to controll and confuse. It was also a move away form social-money to financal abundance again. It was and still is difficult to live so close to my parents again, but I now have somone I really can relay on in terms of taking care of my son. It was the year of restarting my writing-career and I am proud of that. I am also proud of all the things I learned about myself, of finding myself again and managing to be a loving mother during everything. I manged to land on my feet here, where people are much more conservative (I was away for more then 17 years and I did forget about this or could not imagine this really) and judgemental about my way of living. I manged to fight for my ideas and opinions in a peaceful loving way in some situations. I managed to find a way of dealing with my sons dad after struggling a lot. At least I hope. I did the MB course and came in touch with many of my dreams again and some already started to come true...
2. I grieve a very stressful time just after the move, where I worked at a school in a crazy sceduale to fed my son and myself and did not manage to stay balance cause I was just too burned-out. I forgive myself for not always being the mother I would love to be. I had a very hard time finding out who I really am again, spend a lot of time just searching and struggling. I forgive myself for being angry at myself for not being who I want to be.
3. 2009 was the year of searching and finding myself again. I declare it complete.
6. My theme for 2010 would be living on my own terms

Am so humbled and inspiring by reading all your posts!!!

YOU ALL HAVE ACCOMPLISHED SO MUCH IN 2009.

Hope you give yourself due credit!!!

2010 is my year of grief, letting go and shedding. Am actually really looking forward. Call it FREEDOM if you will.

love to all,

bk

thx andrea for prompting some thought provoking soul searching on this...
http://www.sperlygirl.com/sperlygirl/2009/12/mondo-beyondo-part-one.html
warmly,
s

For 2009 I would like to acknowledge that I endured a job where I worked for 1/3 the pay scale I was making prior in the same occupation. It has been very uncreative and I worked mostly alone. While in that position I realized that this was unacceptable as "my life", so I decided to enroll in school as a full time student. Filling out the necessary paper work I was awarded a grant and loan and will now be moving to another state to get my certification in multi media arts. I continued to do my creative art work on my off hours and have made some new contacts and sold some pieces. I faced some of the fear of loosing my bf because of this move, of being judge, and of copping out. I grieve the loss of time, of feeling stuck, like I have to do it all. Of gaining weight. Of not seeing sooner the options that lay before me.

I declare 2009 finished and I am looking forward to the adventure of what awaits for me believing that 2010 will only open new doors for new experiences, since I have let go of the old and embrace the new.

1) 2009 connected me to my universal energy. It was as though I was following an energy grid where one ah ha moment after another happened. All of these experiences appeared to happen serendipitously. It was a wonderful year. I learned of Reiki and received the level one attunement. I attended a wonderful group on intuition and energy. I am well on my way to becoming a juicy crone and loving every day.
2) I suppose I could say that I am grieving moving from the second phase of my life as a women into the third and final stage. Actually I am not feeling loss at all, only joyful anticipation.
3)"I declare 2009 complete." It was a year of preparation, now I look forward to bringing my new found gifts into fruition. 2010 will be my year of arrival. Hello divine wisdom.

I'm going to make this short, or I may not do it at all.

I declare complete my languishing, talking about, or really living in at all my relationship with my ex-partner. I am embarassed it's lasted this long. Except of course the co-parenting role we still have together, which I hope to make even better as we go along.

I am proud that I grew more self-love in 2009.

This year coming up I declare to be my courageous year (yes, I'm taking the course) and I hope to kick some butt in making some real-life changes to make my life the most juiciest it can be. I've got a long way to go (in my view), and I want to make some big strides. I'm tired of being jealous of other people.

Thank you for this ritual, Andrea.

Just finished this ritual, along with a little added three travel secrets ritual, over at my blog, Living Holistically...with a sense of humor:

http://www.holisticwithhumor.com/2009-pondering-ritual-the-ups-the-downs-the-secret-travel-spots

Thanks for the wonderful prompt - we certainly need to take the time to sit back and reflect at this time of year!

1. I finished my first full-length novel and received some agent interest, but I have had the patience to hold off and make it even better. Writing is now part of my daily life and I love being creative again. My homelife was good - I helped to create a warm interior, a retreat from pressures. My job was challenging and I was forced to accept a difficult role that I did not want. I am proud that I have accepted this responsibility and am trying my very best to make it work.

2. I grieve for my old job, and I forgive myself for any mistakes in the new role as it is not what I signed up for. I'm also cutting myself slack for not being able to write as intensively as I would have liked due to the upheaval.

3. I declare 2009 complete! You gave me the will to become an author again.

2010 is the year when my writing will be noticed and open up a new abundant future as a writer. I will also make my home a happier place and offer lots of love to my family and friends.

1. What do you want to acknowledge yourself for in regard to 2009?
I took concrete steps to become a better photographer. I continued to travel to places I've never been and to pursue new adventures. I continued my second year of meat-free living, which was challenging for several reasons. I made the decision to stop dating men I could never have a serious relationship with even though they're fun. I became really comfortable spending time alone. I adopted a cat on the spur of a moment, after having thought idly about getting a pet for a while. It was one of the very best things I've done, both for myself and for her. I learned to ask for help this year.

2. What is there to grieve about 2009?
I was really lonely at times this year - two of my closest girlfriends moved across the country and I also missed having a boyfriend to share things with. I didn't do what I promised myself I would to promote myself as a photographer. I hated my day job with an intensity I promised myself I would never get to and it impacted other parts of my life. I was overly critical and too short at times with people who are important to me.

3. What else do you need to say about the year to declare it complete?
2009 was a hard year for me even though I was healthy, employed and clearly blessed. I am determined to do what I can to impact the areas that caused me so much frustration, grief or dissatisfaction.
I declare 2009 complete!

1. in 2009, i am learning. all.the.time. trying, doing, falling, picking myself up again, keep on going. repeat the steps above. i've created a little business and then ended it. tried working for others, that didnt work. letting go of my fear of the finance. i've just only created a new etsy shop, nothing much yet. i am listening to my heart and just follow where joy flows. and i am so so grateful for all the love and support that my husband and my family is giving me.

2. i am sad that i no longer am in speaking terms with my elder sister. that different oppinions/perspective/belief saparate us. but i wish her well and i pray for her happiness. i would like to say this: "i am sorry, please forgive me, i love you, thank you."

3. 2009 - thank you for your love, your guidance, your wisdom, your strenght, your sillyness, your truth, your wholeness of everything. you are perfect. i love you.

i declare 2009 complete!!!

2010 is a year of abundace!! woohoo!
and signing up for mondo beyondo is in the list. (wishing there's only one currency in this world)
sending you lotsa love. thank you for this andrea.

1. I moved jobs, moved house, and created one of my MB dreams - a website dedicated to changing rules! I am proud of myself for continuing to stand by and financially support my husband as his dreams are taking longer to come true than we originally planned. I am also proud of myself for realizing that I am not lazy - it's a long story, but it's a nice feeling!

2. I am disappointed that I am carrying the same three resolutions into 2010 that I have had for countless years. I grieve for the girl who thought that moving was going to make things easier - and I forgive myself for being scared of the thing I want the most.

3. I declare 2009 complete!

I think I am copying Jessie from Stray Dog Arts in my theme for this year - 2010 is my year of RELIEF. (yes!)

1. I applied, was accepted, and stated a maters in social work program. I feel like it was my path all along it just tooks some bumps to get there. I gave birth to my 2nd baby, healthy and happy. I accomplished more this year then I ever thought I could.

2. I grieve the loss of status, starting over again.

3. 2009, you are complete. (Adios)

I declare 2010 the year self health and partner care.

I love this !

ok
1. Acknowledging myself for:
Giving Birth. Processing having a Baby with Down syndrome and realizing the Huge - enormous - wonderful - spectacular gift that I was given in this little baby of mine and that he picked us to be his parents and how proud I am to be his mama and all the transition I've gone through this year with losing friends that don't have kids, feeling alone and isolated, feeling shame for many reasons and not drinking or harming myself to take the "edge" off. Dealing with life face on even when it's really painful and hard and I don't feel like it.
Allowing myself the time I needed to NOT make any artwork and being ok with that. And re-inventing myself and my art career the way that feels best for ME.

2. All of the above I have to grieve because it was a hard year and an exciting year but that means our little baby is already 10 months old and I'm grieving the first year that is already behind us and all the tiny moments I might have missed because I felt distracted by e-mail, websites, blogging, tv, or my own self absorbed thoughts.
I would like to forgive myself for feeling sad, depressed, lonely and taking things very personally and for thinking that these feelings are bad and need to be judged!!! It's LIFE! Some days are better than others. No need to focus on what I find unacceptable! I'd like to forgive myself for getting stressed out and taking it out on my husband.
I'd like to forgive myself for not being able to just be in the moment more and go with the flow and be easy going and light hearted.
3. I need to say that this year has been a huge gift and a huge learning lesson. It's complete because it's already past. 2009 has been amazing and I am sad it's over but I am excited about the year to come.

2010 is my year of self care, especially around shame and to let go of how I've been feeling since I reached my 20th year of sobriety. I haven't been able to shake it and it's bogging me down.2010 = Friendship, connection, creation, laughter, joy, abundance, deep meaningful relationship with my husband, lots of art, travel, prosperity, helping others, community of respectful sincere warm trustworthy like minded women, to feel at home where ever I am and within my own skin. To teach, and to learn, to toss insecurity out the window and savour my accomplishments and MB dreams coming true.

At first there was a resistance in me to declare the year over already, partly because I don't fully understand where 2009 went, partly because I need a fresh start, and fresh starts are scary. My life looks so different from what I thought it would like this time last year. But I'm still standing.

1. I did some crazy things this year, but they were all done in the name of love. They didn't all turn out the way feverishly hoped they would, and perhaps I was naive, but they were steps I had to take. In retrospec they may seem like kamikaze actions, but I had no choice, and I didn't know everything I know now. I tried. I really tried, and it wasn't good enough, and that is not my fault. I tried, and I showed strength and integrity, and even though it didn't pay off, I'm proud I acted with dignity at my absolute lowest. I didn't deserve what happened, and certainly not to be treated the way I was. It wasn't my fault.

2. I lost a life in 2009, the life and love I thought I would have. The only way I knew how to deal with it was to physically uproot myself - I couldn't feel completely lost on the inside while living on like nothing happened. Getting back up after everything went down the drain, and getting back up every time I stood there and took another (non-physical) blow took more strength than I knew I possessed. I'm still standing.

3. I hope I will never understand how some people can hurt others so knowingly and willingly. I hope I will never be so weak as to punish others for my mistakes. I tried to understand for an entire year. No more. I don't understand, and I am not going to waste 2010 trying to figure it out some more. I want to put 2010 to a better use.

I DECLARE 2009 COMPLETE.

For 2010, I'd like to focus on loving myself, on living by my standards, and on enjoying the freedom I now have.

Super post, Need to mark it on Digg
Boldy

2009 has been such a mixed up year for me. There was joy and there was grief, sometimes in the same moment. Even though the calendar year is not complete, I'm so done with it -- ready to move on.
1. I created an art/design/writing project that I am so very proud of. It took so much courage to face a medium (art) I'm not all that experienced in. There was always someone better, always someone with more skills, always someone more creative and I was always reminded of that growing up. For my entire life I let myself believe that I would never be good enough and that I never deserved for art to be anything more than a hobby. But this year, in part because of #2, I showed up every day and allowed myself to be an artist. I felt centered, I felt joy, I felt my true self. And just being me every chance I got was my salvation.
2. I confronted a family member's mental illness in 2009. It had always been there lurking in the background, but it was so subtle I always blamed myself for its repercussions.I grieve the me that I lost all these years of peace-making and people-pleasing and outright denial. The shear havoc this created in my life and the life of my family could have been avoided. How many people have I hurt by avoiding what was unpleasant to face? This year it was all out in the open and the one moment I refused to walk on eggshells, the ground didn't cave in, it actually became more solid. Practicing #1 gave me the courage to confront #2 and #2 propelled me toward #1. I'm grateful for the grief, for the lessons.
So thanks for all you taught me 2009. As dark as it was sometimes, I know I had to learn it so I could emerge as my true self. I declare you complete. 2010 will be all about self-care and celebrating who I really am. It's about making my way as an artist.

Thanks for this - I had no idea what the year was really about. The answer surprised me!

1. I explored aspects of the writers life and was brave enough to question if it was what I really wanted or just what I thought I should want. I stood up to my father's denial of my mother's Alzheimer's and over the course of the year improved her level of care through outside help. I made some tough decisions about my relationship with money and paid of my mortgage. I have no debt, not even a credit card, for now!

2. Jenny. This year two friends were diagnosed with cancer. One survived only 3 months leaving behind a 6 month old son. Grief by the bucket load. But also a loss of innocence, an awful coming of age as to the reality of being in my 40's - fate is random and we won't all survive it.

3. 2009 was my year of growing up.I declare 2009 over and out.

I declare 2010 the year of fun and adventure whatever happens.

1. I would like to acknowledge my strength this year. Agreeing to a trial separation with my husband who I have been in love with since I was 15 years old. It was much needed, but has been terrifying--rediscovering my identity, living by myself for the first time in my life, grieving of what was and may never be again. Taking the steps to truly take care of myself for the first time in my life. Turning around and instead of running from the wave , accepting it and letting it wash over and heal me .
2. A lot to grieve about. The possibility of my marriage being over and everything that I thought we would do together and be. The realization that I can’t help certain people in my life that really need it, until I can take care of myself and learn what that even means. My heart has been broken open and is a big tender beautiful mass.
3. I declare 2010 the year of self–care, and healing.

1. I would like to acknowledge my strength this year. Agreeing to a trial separation with my husband who I have been in love with since I was 15 years old. It was much needed, but has been terrifying--rediscovering my identity, living by myself for the first time in my life, grieving of what was and may never be again. Taking the steps to truly take care of myself for the first time in my life. Turning around and instead of running from the wave , accepting it and letting it wash over and heal me .
2. A lot to grieve about. The possibility of my marriage being over and everything that I thought we would do together and be. The realization that I can’t help certain people in my life that really need it, until I can take care of myself and learn what that even means. My heart has been broken open and is a big tender beautiful mass.
3. I declare 2010 the year of self–care, and healing.

1. I acknowledge myself for shepherding two small human beings through another year of their lives. For essentially wrapping up the four-year long project of recovering my daughter from autism. For finally turning some attention back to myself and recognizing the need for a major change-of-course, in my work especially.

2. I grieve for my marriage, still in-tact and a solid partnership but not all that I want and need. We make great colleagues, particularly with the kids, and for a long time, I thought that would be enough. But there's a definite want of vitality in the connection, and it was a shock to admit to myself that it might not stand the test of time.

3. 2009 was a year of holding steady, of carrying on, and more recently, an urgent clarity that that's not enough. I declare it complete.

4. 2010 is my year of molting, shedding skin, letting go of what's no longer needed... and discovering a new skin underneath.

1) Opening my heart to embrace a life that doesn't look like the life I expected I'd live. Working on letting go of the voice & guilt that inhibit my ability to accept & love the life we've created. Taking the leap of faith to try to have a baby, even though we don't have all the details figured out.

2) Grieving the loss of a career & moving away from the education I worked so hard to achieve... even though it never made me happy, it did give me a sense of security which I am no longer able to cling to. Grieving the loss of my identity which previously was so linked to my career & education. Grieving the loss of many of my "security blankets" which were so much a part of the way that I've coped with the world up until now. Grieving the loss of a grandfather whose only hope for my life was that I should think, act,and believe in exactly the same way he did.

3)Moving toward better mental & physical health. Letting go of the voices, meeting the future with hope & joy instead of fear & trepidation. Goodbye 2009.

Well, I definitely can't declare the year complete until at least the 17th - that's my birthday, and then my year of being 30 WILL be done. I'll take some time during the day to make these declarations, though. Thank you so much for the Mondo Beyondo community and for this challenge.

1. I created a home, started grad school, tasted love, and did it all with courage and heart.
2. There was simply nothing left to grieve in 2009. I had my fair share and I'm tired of grieving. Thank heavens, no grieving in 2009.
3. 2009, you are complete. and thank you. I needed you so badly.

1. 2009 was a year of taking stock for me. I started it with a 6 month old daughter and a breast pump that I hated and a husband with whom I rarely had a chance to be alone and a job that pays OK but becomes increasingly soul sucking everyday. I am ending it with a bright and happy 18 month old who is a constant source of joy and who also is on a reasonable sleep schedule, a husband who has become a true partner, and I have a new plan for a career change.

2009 was also the year that I felt most in sync with my sister. And it is our mutual love and respect for each other that firms my commitment to producing a sibling for my daughter, in spite of all the difficulty we experienced in conceiving her--which all seems like a distant memory when I look into her smiling eyes. It was all worth it. Yes, yes it was. (But will it be again? asks the doubter in me. Could it really be as thrilling and as satisfying the second time?)

2. 2009 was also the year that I learned to hate the breast pump. I came face to face with the resentment of breast being best. My daughter and I were never able to establish breastfeeding together, so I did it alone with a pump, and she had her bottle, and I drove myself nuts with the whole thing. In hindsight, I can see that I could have been a much better mother, a more present mother, if I had just let the breastmilk thing go. I wish I had sooner.

3. 2009, you have been a year of love. Of partnering and parenting. I realize now what it takes. I thought I was good before. I'm much better at all of it now. Thank you, 2009. I declare you complete.

1. 2009 was a year of taking stock for me. I started it with a 6 month old daughter and a breast pump that I hated and a husband with whom I rarely had a chance to be alone and a job that pays OK but becomes increasingly soul sucking everyday. I am ending it with a bright and happy 18 month old who is a constant source of joy and who also is on a reasonable sleep schedule, a husband who has become a true partner, and I have a new plan for a career change.

2009 was also the year that I felt most in sync with my sister. And it is our mutual love and respect for each other that firms my commitment to producing a sibling for my daughter, in spite of all the difficulty we experienced in conceiving her--which all seems like a distant memory when I look into her smiling eyes. It was all worth it. Yes, yes it was. (But will it be again? asks the doubter in me. Could it really be as thrilling and as satisfying the second time?)

2. 2009 was also the year that I learned to hate the breast pump. I came face to face with the resentment of breast being best. My daughter and I were never able to establish breastfeeding together, so I did it alone with a pump, and she had her bottle, and I drove myself nuts with the whole thing. In hindsight, I can see that I could have been a much better mother, a more present mother, if I had just let the breastmilk thing go. I wish I had sooner.

3. 2009, you have been a year of love. Of partnering and parenting. I realize now what it takes. I thought I was good before. I'm much better at all of it now. Thank you, 2009. I declare you complete.

1. 2009 was a year of taking stock for me. I started it with a 6 month old daughter and a breast pump that I hated and a husband with whom I rarely had a chance to be alone and a job that pays OK but becomes increasingly soul sucking everyday. I am ending it with a bright and happy 18 month old who is a constant source of joy and who also is on a reasonable sleep schedule, a husband who has become a true partner, and I have a new plan for a career change.

2009 was also the year that I felt most in sync with my sister. And it is our mutual love and respect for each other that firms my commitment to producing a sibling for my daughter, in spite of all the difficulty we experienced in conceiving her--which all seems like a distant memory when I look into her smiling eyes. It was all worth it. Yes, yes it was. (But will it be again? asks the doubter in me. Could it really be as thrilling and as satisfying the second time?)

2. 2009 was also the year that I learned to hate the breast pump. I came face to face with the resentment of breast being best. My daughter and I were never able to establish breastfeeding together, so I did it alone with a pump, and she had her bottle, and I drove myself nuts with the whole thing. In hindsight, I can see that I could have been a much better mother, a more present mother, if I had just let the breastmilk thing go. I wish I had sooner.

3. 2009, you have been a year of love. Of partnering and parenting. I realize now what it takes. I thought I was good before. I'm much better at all of it now. Thank you, 2009. I declare you complete.

1. 2009 was a year of taking stock for me. I started it with a 6 month old daughter and a breast pump that I hated and a husband with whom I rarely had a chance to be alone and a job that pays OK but becomes increasingly soul sucking everyday. I am ending it with a bright and happy 18 month old who is a constant source of joy and who also is on a reasonable sleep schedule, a husband who has become a true partner, and I have a new plan for a career change.

2009 was also the year that I felt most in sync with my sister. And it is our mutual love and respect for each other that firms my commitment to producing a sibling for my daughter, in spite of all the difficulty we experienced in conceiving her--which all seems like a distant memory when I look into her smiling eyes. It was all worth it. Yes, yes it was. (But will it be again? asks the doubter in me. Could it really be as thrilling and as satisfying the second time?)

2. 2009 was also the year that I learned to hate the breast pump. I came face to face with the resentment of breast being best. My daughter and I were never able to establish breastfeeding together, so I did it alone with a pump, and she had her bottle, and I drove myself nuts with the whole thing. In hindsight, I can see that I could have been a much better mother, a more present mother, if I had just let the breastmilk thing go. I wish I had sooner.

3. 2009, you have been a year of love. Of partnering and parenting. I realize now what it takes. I thought I was good before. I'm much better at all of it now. Thank you, 2009. I declare you complete.

1. 2009 was a year of taking stock for me. I started it with a 6 month old daughter and a breast pump that I hated and a husband with whom I rarely had a chance to be alone and a job that pays OK but becomes increasingly soul sucking everyday. I am ending it with a bright and happy 18 month old who is a constant source of joy and who also is on a reasonable sleep schedule, a husband who has become a true partner, and I have a new plan for a career change.

2009 was also the year that I felt most in sync with my sister. And it is our mutual love and respect for each other that firms my commitment to producing a sibling for my daughter, in spite of all the difficulty we experienced in conceiving her--which all seems like a distant memory when I look into her smiling eyes. It was all worth it. Yes, yes it was. (But will it be again? asks the doubter in me. Could it really be as thrilling and as satisfying the second time?)

2. 2009 was also the year that I learned to hate the breast pump. I came face to face with the resentment of breast being best. My daughter and I were never able to establish breastfeeding together, so I did it alone with a pump, and she had her bottle, and I drove myself nuts with the whole thing. In hindsight, I can see that I could have been a much better mother, a more present mother, if I had just let the breastmilk thing go. I wish I had sooner.

3. 2009, you have been a year of love. Of partnering and parenting. I realize now what it takes. I thought I was good before. I'm much better at all of it now. Thank you, 2009. I declare you complete.

1. 2009 was a year of taking stock for me. I started it with a 6 month old daughter and a breast pump that I hated and a husband with whom I rarely had a chance to be alone and a job that pays OK but becomes increasingly soul sucking everyday. I am ending it with a bright and happy 18 month old who is a constant source of joy and who also is on a reasonable sleep schedule, a husband who has become a true partner, and I have a new plan for a career change.

2009 was also the year that I felt most in sync with my sister. And it is our mutual love and respect for each other that firms my commitment to producing a sibling for my daughter, in spite of all the difficulty we experienced in conceiving her--which all seems like a distant memory when I look into her smiling eyes. It was all worth it. Yes, yes it was. (But will it be again? asks the doubter in me. Could it really be as thrilling and as satisfying the second time?)

2. 2009 was also the year that I learned to hate the breast pump. I came face to face with the resentment of breast being best. My daughter and I were never able to establish breastfeeding together, so I did it alone with a pump, and she had her bottle, and I drove myself nuts with the whole thing. In hindsight, I can see that I could have been a much better mother, a more present mother, if I had just let the breastmilk thing go. I wish I had sooner.

3. 2009, you have been a year of love. Of partnering and parenting. I realize now what it takes. I thought I was good before. I'm much better at all of it now. Thank you, 2009. I declare you complete.

1. 2009 was a year of taking stock for me. I started it with a 6 month old daughter and a breast pump that I hated and a husband with whom I rarely had a chance to be alone and a job that pays OK but becomes increasingly soul sucking everyday. I am ending it with a bright and happy 18 month old who is a constant source of joy and who also is on a reasonable sleep schedule, a husband who has become a true partner, and I have a new plan for a career change.

2009 was also the year that I felt most in sync with my sister. And it is our mutual love and respect for each other that firms my commitment to producing a sibling for my daughter, in spite of all the difficulty we experienced in conceiving her--which all seems like a distant memory when I look into her smiling eyes. It was all worth it. Yes, yes it was. (But will it be again? asks the doubter in me. Could it really be as thrilling and as satisfying the second time?)

2. 2009 was also the year that I learned to hate the breast pump. I came face to face with the resentment of breast being best. My daughter and I were never able to establish breastfeeding together, so I did it alone with a pump, and she had her bottle, and I drove myself nuts with the whole thing. In hindsight, I can see that I could have been a much better mother, a more present mother, if I had just let the breastmilk thing go. I wish I had sooner.

3. 2009, you have been a year of love. Of partnering and parenting. I realize now what it takes. I thought I was good before. I'm much better at all of it now. Thank you, 2009. I declare you complete.

1. Mondo Beyondo. I was on the maiden voyage of this amazing class and it has cracked me open and freed me from myself in ways I had no idea could even happen. Kudos to me for the brave step in accomplishing this and moving forward in a life that has been stuck for a while.

2.I grieve the lack of love in my life. I have done a lot to avoid it and now want to move toward it. Not allowing it makes one very sad and incomplete.

3. I declare 2010 the year of LOVE for me. Not just from a significant other, (eventually this would be nice) but beginning with ME. Letting it in and nourishing it when it comes and not sabotaging it because of believing I don't deserve it. I will give it to myself and in turn it will find me.

I am changing my life this spring in such an exciting way, moving from Vancouver to Toronto and am documenting my journey on my blog www.freeadmission.ca.

My life did truly change because of Mondo Beyondo. The power of your dreams are there awaiting you to realize them.

Thanks Andrea

what an excellent idea - i started theming my years a few years back (love it!!!) but have never said "good-bye" to a year like this before... perfect...

http://daffado.blogspot.com/2009/12/completion-ritual-for-2009.html

You are always so provoking, I love it that you stay on top of your readers and ask the hard questions we sometimes avoid, sigh.

Thank you for the inspiration!

1. I took steps to keep furthering my career as a freelance artist, even though there were those voices in my mind trying to thwart me, telling me I was never any good. I've taken steps to believe in what I do, and realize that my work is not something flimsy, but made with care, intelligence, soul, and craft.

2. This has been the most difficult year of all with the passing of my father. I've seen how so-called friends may not really be there for you, and yet a casual acquaintance may offer the most sincere support. People's true colors emerge when life becomes challenging. I'm sad, like Finito in her earlier post, to see people's true colors when you had otherwise thought so highly of them.

3. 2009. I've decided that I've learned what I needed to learn from you. Goodbye.

I declare 2010 my year of grace, dignity, and abundance.

1. I created a baby, born at home, my beautiful girl! I was brave and strong, laboring and delivering on nothing but brain chemicals while surrounded in love. I let go of many things that were dragging me down, and set myself free. I created another new baby, my Etsy store, a place to share my visual art. I didn't really think I could do it-I surprised and delighted myself. I'm so proud of these *babies*.
2. It was scary to let go of my financial expectations and my old ideas and stigmas about not creating the financial picture I used to think I wanted. It was scary because for little while, I felt disappointed in myself. I had to create a whole new way of looking at myself. I forgive myself for fucking it up. But I don't even see it that way anymore.
3. I declare 2009 complete! I feel full of this year and I'm not feeling any regrets.
4. My focus will be on balancing the projects I want to take on (which means saying no sometimes) and taking care of myself and babes. 2010 is my year of Turning for Home.

Thank you for the challenge, a! Many deep breaths were taken while writing this!

2009 was the year were I was able enjoy myself like never before. After a very emotionally chaotic period in 2007 and 2008, I felt that 2009 was the year to rearrange, to pay attention to my needs and to take charge.
I started to build my Spanish tutoring and instruction business. I have students and I am planning new classes for 2010.
I have faced with strength - becoming an empty nester. At 38 I have a whole life ahead of me, full of choices I have more flexibility in every way. Knowing that the kids are out there experiencing the real world with an open heart brings me a lot of joy. I think I did a good job and so did my husband.
I started practicing yoga and going past the second month of daily practice. I will probably keep doing it until I die. It is food for my soul and my tush is tight.
I chose to teach on my own vs. working at a school. I like to have the flexibility and I feel that I can work with more freedom and creativity in this way.
I am proud of the family I have, it takes love, effort, letting go. I am proud of being able to listen to my friends more, to stop being the center of attention.
I opened my heart to meet new people and I feel totally friend lucky. I am going to offer a thank you party for all the great girls in my life.
2. What is there to grieve about 2009?
Disappointing seeing so many teachers complain at the school where I subbed. But it helped me realize I don’t want to be in such environment.
Scary - The house is so quiet all of a sudden; on the other hand we can make all the noise we want 
I can forgive myself for my little guilty pleasures, life is to be enjoyed.
3. What else do you need to say about the year to declare it complete?
Siiiii!!! El 2009 terminaaa!! Y soy feliz!! (Yes, 2009 is over and I am happy!)
I declare 2010 Materializing creative energy

This will take a lot of writing and reflection. I think I'll do just that and then blog about it. :)

(You might want to change 2007 on question #2 :))

1. I created things I love. I let my hands move and do what they love to do: make things with paper, fabric, pen, food, etc. I faced many health, financial and personal problems with courage and strength. I promised myself that this would be the year I will stand up for myself, and stand my ground for my own benefit even if others don't like that, and I did. I made a very brave choice about a tough relationship. I'm proud to have made it through everything 2009 threw at me.

2. It was disappointing to see the true colors of people. I can forgive myself for behaving "badly" to stand my ground, which I don't regret at all.

3. I declare 2009 complete! Finito! Goodbye!

My primary intention for 2010 (and it's funny how I was just thinking about this last night while stuck in a plane): 2010 is my year of WEALTH in everything.