Happy New Year!

Posted by Khris in Khris' Corner

2011, a year many of us are unlikely to ever forget, has finally come to its end. On a personal level it was a year of trials and frustrations but also of tremendous growth and blessings. Though still a little scarred, I’m delighted to be on the other side of 2011 with a clear sense of purpose and direction in all areas of my life – including DIY Bride.

2012 begins as 2011 ended: with gratitude.  I want to thank each of you, dear friends, new visitors, and drop-in buddies, for the overwhelming support and kindness you contribute to the DIY Bride community. Your questions, contributions, participation, and financial support (advertising, purchases of books) has helped keep DIY Bride going strong as we celebrated our 9th year of blogdom last year. That is an extraordinary milestone for not only for me but for bloggers, crafters, and for the wedding industry. From the bottom of my heart: thank you, thank you, thank you!

This year brings many new challenges for us: sustainable growth, adding new features, maintaining the site, and expanding the brand into the DIY home/entertaining/cooking arena. It’s an exciting time and I hope you join me, Valerie, and Whitney, as strive to bring you exciting and useful content, inspiration, resources, and opportunities to help you celebrate who you are every day of the year.

Each January, instead of resolutions I never keep, I create a theme for the year ahead. 2011′s theme was “growth” (got that in spades, thank you very much). For 2012 I’ve chosen INCLUSIVE. This year is about bringing people together, creating welcoming environments, and strengthening communities. It’s about collectively working towards something greater. It’s about sharing and connecting and actively making a difference not only in our lives but in the lives of others. It’s harnessing the power of good for the benefit of all.

I welcome you to our community and look forward to doing wonderful, powerful acts of kindness and good together this year. Happy 2012!