The plan was to let 2011 come and go silently in this space. It was a rocky year that had its high moments, but I didn’t sense the need nor the desire to relive it. I feel as if I’ve already done my fair share of self-reflection. However, I came across a wonderful and insightful (as usual) post by David Leite sharing what he’d learned from others this past year.
I realized I had crossed paths with a lot of terrific and generous people within the last year and many of them taught me something that I plan to make myself a better person moving forward.
So the following is a list of what I learned from some talented and amazing people in 2011.
From David Leite, friendship is powerful, regardless of geography.
From Kirsten Alana, courage is chasing the unknown.
From Pamela Anderson and Maggie Keet, a hug goes a long way, especially the 8 second variety.
From Melissa Harfiel, friends are the ones you need to say thank you to.
From Dan Clapson, knocking over a table in public can be done with grace.
From Matt Armendariz, 140 character chats can be incredibly meaningful.
From Linda Miller Nicholson, heels are a 24/7 occupation, even if it comes with some tumbles.
From Joy Wilson, who brings pure butter pleasure to those around her.
From Erika Pineda-Ghanny, there are some incredibly strong and talented people in this world.
From Brian Samuels, it’s all about taking risks.
From Megan Myers, Chris Thornton and Aimee Wimbush-Bourque, there are lots of people raising their kids the right way.
From Mardi Michels, a BBQ invitation makes a guy new to town feel pretty good.
From Jackie Lee, life is about making your own opportunities, regardless of what gets in the way.
From Kelly Vass, the expression “Stop it” has multiple meanings, but works best in dog/cat pictures.
From Irvin Lin, friends help friends with Photoshop tanning sessions.
From Justin Schwartz and Margaret Doughney, gummy bears are universal and have the power to unite.
From Gail Dosik and Cathy Barrow, kindness is contagious.
From Penny De Los Santos, photographers can move with their words, as much as their photos.
From Shauna James Ahern, live in the moment and appreciate the gifts around you.
From Adelle Charles and Sarah Adkins, cuteness is alive and well.
From Michelle Edgar, there are incredible treats being produced in a gem of a Patisserie in Toronto.
From Jennifer Yu, even fork-stabbing people have soft spots.
From Merry-Jennifer Markham, there are wonderfully passionate people making a difference and saving lives on a daily basis.
From Liz Nyland, Amy Flanigan and Ken Leung, encouragement goes a long way.
From Bridget Edwards, even the most talented are humble, it’s what drives them to be better.
From my family, who teach me on a daily basis what it’s like be a son and brother and have prepared me to eventually be a husband and and father. Not yet though, mom!
I hope everyone learned something or at the very least smiled once while reading this. May 2012 be a year filled with great joy, happiness, love and of course food galore shared amongst friends, new and old.
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