As 2011 comes to a close, it’s time to reflect on the year that has passed.  And this wouldn’t be complete without reflecting on the year that was on Reflections From a Red Head.

Here are the top 7 posts from 2011:

The most popular post by far for 2011 was the short and sweet post titled ‘I’d rather forget things that I have done, rather than the things that I have not done.’  It was posted in July 2011, and even today still rates holds it’s place as one of the top two posts read every day on Reflections from a Red Head.

The second most popular post, just behind numero uno, is a simple little post about the effect a mosquito can have…’If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito‘.

‘Inner Beauty Shining Bright‘ is an important post to me, personally, as it was the first post for The Beauty of Difference series – the write-up of an interview I did with my dear friend Siti. Starting the series in September 2011, my vision was to share different stories, of different people, doing different things, and making a difference along the way.  I can truly say that the stories people have entrusted in me to share throughout the last four months of 2011 have succeeded in showing me a new path and in changing my life.  I feel truly blessed.

The most commented on post for 2011 was a guest post (only just!!) from the awesomeness that is Hajra Khatoon!  ’Knowledge is the key to tolerance‘ was a post from Hajra, where she bared her heart and soul for The Beauty of Difference series.  Thank you my friend

One of my favourite photo-posts from 2011 is ‘The River‘, as this is when I really started pushing myself – you know, ‘looking outside the box’ and that kind of guff.  Once I took these photos I actually started believing in my ability (and the compliments I got on some of the photos helped too ).

What I believe was the most powerful post from a guest blogger in 2011 on Reflections From a Red Head was from Abdul Mateen.  Up until Abdul, I had featured the stories of many Muslim women.  With Abdul, he shared with us the experiences and beliefs of a Muslim man.  When I first read the his post ‘The Beauty of Difference’, I was blown away – the eloquence, the power, the strength and beauty in the way the words were sewn together.

The final post I share with you was one where I shared a wake up call of sorts.  In the last few months of 2011 I realised that I couldn’t keep living the way I was living, as I wasn’t really living.  I was just getting by – barely. ‘It’s Time to be Gentle on Myself Body Mind and Soul‘ was a an angst-riddled post from me sharing how I had been feeling, and making a public pledge that I was changing my life. I didn’t know it then but this turned into a weekly – and then bi-weekly post on my attempts, failures, successes, and tips ‘Body, Mind and Soul’.  I do hope for this to continue into 2012, along with a new addition – a weekly post from my Diary of the Dietary Challenged.

What do you think?

What was your favourite post on Reflections From a Red Head in 2011?

What would you like to see more of on Reflections From a Red Head in 2012?

Who would you like to see profiled in ‘The Beauty if Difference’ series in 2012?

And is there something else you would like to see covered / written about / photographed?

Feel free to leave a comment, or email your feedback to janine.ripper@gmail.com.

I’m looking forward to 2012! I hope you are too

Related posts:

1. Snapshot of The Beauty of Difference series
2. The Red Heads Homage to Photography: 2011
3. I’m Posting every week in 2011 (with the aim of daily…)!
4. The Beauty of Difference is coming soon…
5. It’s easy to make a buck. It’s a lot tougher to make a difference – Tom Brokaw