Reflection on 2010

In 2010 I have realized a quite a bit:

- I have not been taking the best care of myself, and it's taken a toll. I am, however, very aware of this.
- I have not been eating the best. I am also aware of this.
- I have some seriously amazing people and friends in my life who've amazed me and supported me beyond expectations, hope, and dreams. There are some really great people in my life.
- I took a chance and found a new "home".
- I have been making the most of quite a few things in my life, and it's been great.
- Creating personal policies is a good thing.
- We took a chance, and had an amazing, simple, yet rich and thoroughly enjoyable month and holiday in December. It was perfect for us.
- I can never seem to get enough of PJ days. I love them.
- I gained a new, truer perspective in a few aspects in my life - and though some were painful, in the end, it's been a blessing. 
- I've become more aware of the blessings in my life. 
- Reading, journaling, painting and crafting bring me joy - and I would like to do more of these.
- I have been feeling disconnected from quite a few things. It's time to reconnect I think. 

2010 has brought sorrow, joys, delights, disappointments, and a bevy of emotions to go with the ride. I've almost felt as though it's been a year of stagnation in many ways. Leaves me feeling rather positive about 2011 at least. :) Which reminds me... will I create a focus for 2011? Or will I venture something a bit different. I need to ponder this for a bit.

For 2010, this is what I planned to focus on, and which, as you can see, I didn't really do such a great job of it:
1. Myself .I honor myself and recognize that I deserve time to regroup. I am taking time out for me so that I can be a better mom and wife. I can do this through massages, time with friends that really nurture my soul and help to relax me, getting out of the house, reflexology, and doing things I truly enjoy - even if it's going someplace where I can read or paint. <-Looking over the year, I realized that I did more of this than I thought, yet still realized that what I was doing, wasn't enough. I did do the massages and spent some amazing time with good friends. However, I have learned that I need to do things on a weekly basis.

I exercise on a regular basis, focusing mainly on strength training with a side of yoga, walking, dancing, pilates, and cardio. <-I slacked off on this big time, but picked it up again, then it slid, then picked it up again. I'm going into the New Year exercising though. :)

I am eating healthier by starting clean eating and trying new recipes and foods. <-A good plan, that went awry. Very, very awry.

I plan to get a physical and eye exam this year. <-Eye exam, yes. Physical, put it off and still haven't found a doctor I like.

2 Finances <-Room for improvement.
Buy only what we really need. If we don't need it, we won't get it. <-Um... well, in terms of big things we stuck to this... other things... we could've done better... Continue to save up. <- We've actually gone into savings a bit this year. Donate to Heifer.org.<-This is on hold for the moment.

3 SimplifyI'm taking it to the next level. <-I changed my mind.
- Stuff - Declutter and purge project throughout the entire house. Organize. Something comes in, something goes out. <-We started this wholeheartedly in January. And then it pittered off as things came up, life happened, and we decided to spend out time doing other things - like traveling and time with friends. We didn't get the Good Will pile out until summer, and within a week, there was another pile... this time with leftover flooring bits, and there are still boxes we need to go through, as it's not all Good Will stuff. But, maybe it should be.
- Time - New calendar with less space, thus less room to schedule things. Keep scheduling to a minimum. Respect boundaries and keep things uncomplicated. <-Oh! Oh! Score on this one for the most part! We really rocked it for the month of December. We did have quite a bit going on in the Autumn, but a good chunk was for Squeak's therapy.
- Homeschooling - Make time to breathe. Determine what is really important. <-This one still needs work. We still haven't found a good balance. We did stick to what we felt was most important though. At least... I think...
- Food - Clean eating. <-Well, we made some of the recipes...

4. Living consciously with awareness and joy.
I am slowing down and stopping to smell the flowers. I am present in the moment. I enjoy the moments and life. I am basking in laughter, gratitude and joy, and I am willing to encourage, inspire and share these with others.<-I have had moments of this through the year. It wasn't a constant though. And really, I'm okay with that, because I've made the most of those moments I've been aware of.

I continue:
-to respect my inner voice and listen to it.<-I have indeed gotten better with this...
- to hear and listen to what I need. <-and this...
- to bask in joy and gratitude. <-and this...
- to maintain a home environment of peace, love, nurturing and joy. <-this one could be better


To Complete:
- Get Information book updated and completely <-Didn't even start this.
- Huge decluttering/purge of the house <-Started it, and completely lost momentum when spring hit.
- Find a good doctor and get a physical <-That would be a no.
- Get eye exam and new glasses <-Score!