It’s getting close to the end of the year; a time to reflect on what’s important in life, how we can help others, our goals, what we are grateful for and so much more.
Thanks to the Internet, and social media, I’ve met so many wonderful people, and read so many inspiring, funny, sad, informative and motivational stories.
One thing I’ve learned is that we all have our own unique “My Gutsy Story” and I am grateful to Jill Fales, the winner of our first “My Gutsy Story” contest, for her comment.
“I really appreciate everything you do for women and men who want to take a risk. I feel that there may be people out there on the fence and through this contest, they may be convinced to go to the other side!”
I think Jill brought up something even bigger than what I had hoped for with the “My Gutsy Story” series. By reading other stories and sharing our own, we truly help one another realize we have options in life. We are all connected and through our stories and those of famous inspirational people, like Jane Goodall, I find myself more and more attracted to global issues.
I have always wanted to be like Jane Goodall. Perhaps living in Nigeria as a child, has given me the desire to return to certain parts of Africa, or maybe it’s the fact that my children are growing up that has sparked a need to help others less fortunate than me.
As Jane Goodall says:
“If you really want something, work hard, take risks, grab opportunities, and never give up … then there is definitely a way to success.”
I wish all of you a Merry Christmas, a wonderful holiday season with family and friends and look forward to reading and sharing your, “My Gutsy Story.”
Love that picture of you in Nigeria with your other friends.
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Sometimes I wonder if I really remember, or if the photos make me think I remember.
Thank you Sonia. Wishin you a wonderful holiday season too, and a gutsier-than-ever 2012!
Stephanie recently posted..Dreaming of a Wet Christmas
Stephanie,
It HAS TO BE GUTSIER! I plan on publishing in 2012.
Thanks for being such a great blogger friend. I hope we meet in France or in the U.S. I shall be in France in May 2012. Need your phone # please.
A gutsy Christmas to to you! I’ve invited friends for Christmas dinner here in Moldova and I’m cooking two village geese for dinner and that is about a gutsy as I hope to need to get 😉
Love the picture of you in Nigeria! That chair looks like a tribal chief’s throne!
Miss Footloose | Life in the Expat Lane recently posted..Expat Trouble: Encounter With a Toilet Lady
How many guests? Two geese? That sounds delicious. I don’t think it’s easy to find a goose in Orange county, California.
Yes, it does look like a tribal chief’s throne. I should ask my dad whose throne?
I would like to add my thanks to you for collecting these stories. I have had a most fabulous year and reading other peoples stories has energised me to consider even more in my own quest for a fulfilling life.
I would love to wish you, and all your readers an even brighter and gutsier year in 2012.
Nikki,
I am so glad you submitted your story and that I (all of us) had a chance to get to know about your housesitting in Australia and your new exciting life. Please stay in touch. I’m coming over, you know that.
Merry Christmas to you Sonia, and thanks for being such an active writer and blogger. I look forward to reading your book then! Xx from London
Muriel recently posted..Legging It
Muriel,
I’m so glad we met and think you’re onto something wonderful with your Upcoming book on a French woman’s outlook on the British. This is so refreshing to me as I’ve always enjoyed the reverse, and know both cultures.
Sonia, Your Gutsy Story contest is indeed inspirational and motivational. I’ve been impressed by the depth, insights, daring, endurance, stamina, and quality of writing in these stories.
Love the photo of you in Nigeria and Jane Goodall’s message resonates with mine – if you really want something, never give up – there’s always a way.
Best wishes to you for the holidays and especially, for the coming year.
Penelope J. recently posted..Never Give Up on Your Dream
Pennie,
I hope you submit your story too as I know from reading your personal stories that you have so much going for you. I hope to put together a meeting of “Gutsy women” in 2012.