One year ago I sat down and published the very first post on my blog titled “I’m Gonna Look“. And I was terrified. I had absolutely no idea about the ins and outs of blogging and I was sharing a very vulnerable piece with an unknown audience. Pretty scary stuff.
But I did it. And in pushing through my fear I connected with a community of bloggers, family, friends and like-minded individuals who indulged me in a journey of self-discovery. My initial intent was to simply use my blog as a vehicle for sharing family friendly recipes but it quickly evolved as I changed and learned and mustered up the courage to write about my successes, failures, insights and discoveries.
Thank you to everyone who has followed along (861 of you and counting!) and especially to my family and close friends for allowing me to write so candidly about our experiences. The creative process of writing for this blog has brought me more joy than I ever could have anticipated at this time last year.
To celebrate 1 year, I thought I’d share a Top 10 List of my own personal favourite posts from 2013:
2. Vegan No-Bake Chocolate Caramels
3. Garbage In Garbage Out Featuring Scooby Doo
4. The Importance of Making Mistakes
7. Why I Love My Vitamix and a Starter Green Smoothie Recipe
8. 10 Hilarious Ways to Lighten Things Up
If you have the time take a browse through some of my totally brilliant and insightful posts from last year ; )
And now for the big question: …….did I look? Well yes I did. And although I didn’t always like what I saw (oh hi new wrinkles), the more I stared the more I came to realize that loving my image is just the first step in the journey. As much as I learn to adore my reflection in the mirror, the even bigger challenge is to love the person I am when I am sitting in stillness- to be brave enough to really get to know and love myself and to sit quietly in an effort to know my own mind.
So here is my personal intention for 2014: silence and discovery. And don’t worry if this seems to woo-woo for your tastes – I promise to keep posting my plant-based recipes and family friendly holistic discoveries.
But I do have a small favour to ask of all of you for this new year: please stay in touch! Write in the comments if you agree or disagree, share your own successes and failures and let me know if there is something you’d like me to write about. I appreciate your silent support but it would be even nicer to hear from you : )
Happy new year and cheers to a healthy 2014!
Lori Leigh Wilson 
Congrats Lori! I have been following you on Bloglovin for the last couple of months since Jod told me about it. Great posts 🙂
Thanks Jessie! Great to hear from you!!!
Your Dad told me about your blog, I have been following you for some time now…. Great ideas and recipes!!!! Thank you so much! Looking forward to reading more of what is to come!!!
PS, your Dad is such a great Man! Just had to add that in there… Lol
So nice to hear from you Tammy! I appreciate your support! And yes…dad is wonderful : )
I love your blog Lori and silence and discovery is something I have given considerable attention over the past several years. Being a type A personality it has not been easy but a book that I found very helpful is “Wherever You Go There You Are” by Jon Kabat-Zinn, mindfulness meditation in everyday life. I know taking the time to sit and meditate is likely a huge challenge in your busy life, however it is a book that reading a passage a day is very doable as they are rarely more than a couple pages and they help you think about being mindful.
Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy 2014
Cheers Connie
Thanks so much Connie! I have loved getting your comments this past year- they are always so thoughtful. I’m definitely going to pick up that book! I appreciate your continued support. Happy and healthy 2014 to you as well!
As we are driving in a bit of a snowstorm, on our way to Tremblant, your blog of reflections has been fun reading. I loved the family weekend one, it brought back lots of fun memories!
Keep up the good work in 2014 Love, Mom
Sent from my iPhone
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Thanks mom! And congrats to you for being my #1 commenter in 2013! Have a safe drive.
Congratulations Lori!! You’ve done an amazing job!! Keep it going!
My resolution this year? I don’t often really make them, but this year decided it is simply, “to love myself more”. A daunting task for someone like me :o)
Thanks for your support Lis – and for sharing a couple of your awesome recipes! Great resolution…..very Louise Hay : )
Congratulations on staying with the scary stuff of putting yourself out there blogging!! Looking forward to reading a great year from you!
Thanks! I appreciate your support!
Thanks for the comment and for sharing this adventure with me…scary stuff and all!
Congratulations on your Blogiversary and your wonderful blog :0) Those vegan no bake chocolate caramels look amazing! Great idea to do a post round up of last year, you have inspired me x
The caramels are addictive…trust me ; ) Thanks for your comment and support. I appreciate it!
Good for you Lor for daring greatly! Xo Les
Thanks Les! Looking forward to seeing you soon!
Happy New Year Lor! I love reading your posts. Lots of great ideas, and it’s fun to hear about some of the things that you and your crew are up to.