the last little bliss list

Nearly every Friday for the past year, the Little Bliss List has provided a chance for us to celebrate the little things that brought us hope and happiness each week. I do believe when we focus on the sweet stuff of life, the sweet stuff multiplies. And by sharing those small gifts in our lives, we help others notice the gifts in theirs.

As this weekly habit comes to a close with the end of 2012, I’m realizing what a  gift I’ve created for myself: a time capsule of beautiful memories from the past year! I loved reviewing all of my Friday posts and reliving those happy moments. And I noticed two major themes emerging across the many months of sharing what brought me the most bliss: my family and my work.

There were big family highlights, like our road trip to Chicago, but also some precious moments I’d already forgotten. Tru trying watermelon!? Our failed-but-now-funny “super happy fun day!?”

I’m also reminded of the ways in which my business expanded; it’s so easy to only focus straight ahead and not honor where I’ve been or what I’ve done. And it struck me, as I read through my posts, how fortunate I am to end each week feeling so fulfilled by my work.

There’s also recognition of great sadness in some of my posts – from major tragedies like Hurricane Sandy and the Sandy Hook shootings to moving through the grief of losing my own dad – but an awareness of how grateful I was to be consciously noticing moments of bliss even during those times.

On top of all that, it’s been such a delight to have other like-minded, big-hearted readers riding along with me – some occasionally, others every week – and adding your own blog links or comments in celebration of the bliss in your midst.  Thank you so much for being part of this journey!

I invite all of you to look back on this year and share the good you found in it; it would be wonderful to see your year-end lists. And for those who’ve never made a Little Bliss List, don’t let this ending stop you. Make it a project for 2013: to love more, celebrate more, follow your bliss more. A year from now you’ll be so grateful – and pretty darn blissed out!