It is hard for me to believe that it has been one year since I started this project.  Writing this blog has been very rewarding on many levels, not the least of which is the fact I’m still writing.  You see, I didn’t start this blog with the intention of making any money from it.  I really just wanted a place where I could chronicle my journey from having no idea how to invest my money to having at least a baseline familiarity.  My intent has never been to inform of educate any of my readers, quite the opposite.  I’ve been informed and educated by you, the reader, who in questioning my actions and thoughts behind them have given me moments to pause and reflect on why I do what I do.  The biggest joy I get is from the comment section when you guys and gals interact with me and for that I say, thank you.

I thought today would be a good time to share with you some of the posts I enjoyed writing over the year as well as giving you a little background if you happen to be new to this site.

If you want to know how it all started check this one out.  I’m still amazed at how much has changed in such a short amount of time.  I’m also grateful that I had the opportunities I’ve had and the wisdom to take advantage of those opportunities.  If you read this post you will know that it was not always this way.

Being overseas was an experience I will never forget.  This was a fun post to write and one of the few times I incorporated pics in my posts.  Perhaps I should do it more often.  I had a lot of fun times while I was away and even though I ultimately decided to come home, I would recommend anyone having the opportunity not to hesitate.  It may not be the same experience that I had, it could be better or it could be worse, one thing is for certain; it will teach you much about yourself as well as the world around you if you let it.

Here is a reflective piece that is an example of what I try to infuse most of my writing with.  It is important to stop often and take stock of what you have, where you are, and what you want.  These things are always changing and it is ok to admit that what you once wanted is no longer desirable.  My biggest challenge these days is letting go of all those desires I use to have and finding suitable replacements.  Here is a quote that sums up nicely what I’m feeling, “Our greatest fear should not be failure, but of succeeding in life at things that don’t really matter.”  I feel that much of what I once thought represented a successful life no longer holds sway and replacing that foundation is turning out to more difficult than I had appreciated.

It’s been a fun year and I’m looking forward to another one.  To my readers and other bloggers, thank you for accompanying me on this journey of becoming an enlightened investor.  I appreciate your support and wish you all a wonderful 2013.