For those who finished their master's thesis, how did you do it (specific questions inside)?

I’ve been postponing the task of starting my thesis. The deadline for completion is a year from now. I’m pursuing a M.Ed. in Multicultural Education, so the thesis needs to have a strong component related to any aspect of multicultural studies.

Here are the specific questions. Please answer one, any, or all:

1. How did you pick a topic?
2. How much time did you spend on the entire project (on average: each day, each week, each month)?
3. How long did it take for you to complete it (how many months)?
4. What was the hardest part about doing your thesis?
5. How did you deal with the hardest part(s) of question 4?
6. What advice would you give to someone trying to figure out a thesis topic?
7. What advice would you give to someone stressing over the idea of starting a thesis?
8. What advice would you give in general regarding the whole process?
9. What organizational tools did you use?
10. What kept you motivated (besides finishing the degree)?

Thanks!