Welcome 2011 - The Year of Connection

For 2011, I have chosen to focus on connection and connecting. 2010 left me feeling rather disconnected, especially from myself. So, this year, I want to reconnect with myself, deepen my connections with my husband and children, spend more time in nature, and reconnect with my spirituality.

Here's a breakdown of the micro-actions for each (Thank you to the book Stop Screaming at the Microwave: How to Connect Your Disconnected Life for the idea of micro-actions. :) )

1. Myself 
- Make a list of things that recharge me. Do 2 or more of these a day. (Journal, dance, move, sketch, paint, etc.)
- Get away on my own (sans kiddos and hubby) at least every other month for a few hours or more.
- Respect my body through awareness of what I eat, movement, sleep, and respecting what it needs by taking time to tune in with it before bed.
- Making it a point to really pause when feeling overwhelmed or rushed, to just breathe regardless of that "voice" that tells me I don't have the time too. (Wait... Think... Count...)
- Connection with my inner child through laughter, play, dance, exploring (planning a few adventures), reading more, sketching and painting.
-Create a list of challenges, and determine how and when to complete them, including a big one I've been pondering.

2 Family 
- Daily hugs and "I love yous" with each with a connection to the eyes and a pause to focus.

Hubby - Plan an overnight trip sans kiddos this year.
- Go on at least 3 dates this year - without the kiddos.
- Making a conscious effort to really connect with each other at least once a week.
- Do something special to celebrate our 10 year anniversary.

Kiddos - Plan special Mommy and kiddo dates.
- Get down to their level to listen, making eye contact.
- Create a new bedtime ritual.
- Choose to connect over "to do".

3 Nature- Reconnect with nature by aiming to spend 5 minutes a day (at least) outside or focused looking outside (window).
- When outside, taking time to engage my senses: breathe it in, really look at it, listen, feel it.
- Sketch and draw it.

4. Spirituality
- Remember my blessings, count them often, and bask in gratitude.
- Really listen and respect those "pings" and feel them out if I doubt them.
- Surrender my fears over, be open to receiving and new ideas.
- Let go of perfection, and focus on connection.


To Complete for the year :
- Clean up and declutter the basement.
- Find a good doctor and get a physical.
- Find new dentist.
- Plan something special for our 10 year.