Reflections on 2015

Another year in the books! As I reflected back on 2015 I re-read my year in review post about 2014 I was struck by my closing words. "As I look back at my year in pictures I'm struck by how much is missing. There are very few pictures of fun times, vacations, family get togethers and cherished moments with friends. This year has given me huge amounts of time when I could do very little but be still and think. I've realized that I didn't do enough living this year, I was simply surviving... I'm looking forward to 2015 which I'll welcome with a renewed focus on doing things that I know nurture my soul and bring me happiness." 

2015 was a tough year in many ways with many experiences I'm glad are in the past. Despite all the challenges, bumps in the road and heartache, I succeeded in doing what I was determined to in 2015 -- I lived! I survived the challenges by staying focused on doing things that nurtured by soul and made me happy. Here are some pictures showing highlights from my year. 

January 25: Birthday surprise - a gorgeous vintage dress from my dad.

Celebrating my bestie's graduation from college!

Treasured time with my grandpa.

Mother's Day with my girl.

 Marching in the Salt Lake Pride Parade

Girlfriends aka The Glitter Girls at a Willie Nelson concert

Utah State University Ladies Football Clinic with my co-workers - a summer tradition.

My already fun summer got even better after meeting KC at a country music festival
(in Tooele of all places)! A month later we were enjoying sunny San Diego together.

First Willie, then his son - Lukas Nelson concert with the girls.

Gillian. She really made me earn my parenting chops this year!

Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. Love these two! Sharing our message of hope and healing.

Christiansen Family Thanksgiving

Christmas in San Diego

I spent some of the last days of this year oceanside in San Diego. This was the view from our balcony. I tried to take a few minutes every day I was there to look at the ocean and simply soak it all in--the sounds, the beauty, the vastness of the ocean, and all the twists and turns in my life that brought me to that day and that place. At the beginning of 2015 I never could have imagined the journey I would take this year. If I learned one thing this year it was to let go of things I can't control and just let life happen. When I'm able to do that good things come my way. Letting go--learning, living, loving. That's what I'll be focusing on for 2016.