A Happy, Healthy, and Joyous New Year!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Focus for 2008
What do I want to focus on for 2008?
1. Living consciously with awareness and joy.
Being present in the moment, and to really just enjoy the moments and life. To laugh more and be more joyful.
Eating more nutritiously for myself and family. Moving and exercising more regularly.
Enhancing my relationships with my husband, daughter, and family through encouragement, nurturing, love and joy.
2 Finances - spend wisely and consciously.
To put more into savings, spend wisely, and eliminate expenses where able.
3 Simplicity
To keep things simple by saying no when needed, respecting my boundaries, and keeping things uncomplicated. Keep up with keeping out the clutter.
To Continue:
-To be aware of the blessings in my life, and continue my connection with appreciation and gratitude.
-To incorporate internal rhythms with life's rhythms. Learning to listen to what I need. Listening to my intuition.
- The home environment of peace, love, nurturing and joy.
To Complete:
- Trip to Disney World
- Backyard fence
- Stairs on back porch
1. Living consciously with awareness and joy.
Being present in the moment, and to really just enjoy the moments and life. To laugh more and be more joyful.
Eating more nutritiously for myself and family. Moving and exercising more regularly.
Enhancing my relationships with my husband, daughter, and family through encouragement, nurturing, love and joy.
2 Finances - spend wisely and consciously.
To put more into savings, spend wisely, and eliminate expenses where able.
3 Simplicity
To keep things simple by saying no when needed, respecting my boundaries, and keeping things uncomplicated. Keep up with keeping out the clutter.
To Continue:
-To be aware of the blessings in my life, and continue my connection with appreciation and gratitude.
-To incorporate internal rhythms with life's rhythms. Learning to listen to what I need. Listening to my intuition.
- The home environment of peace, love, nurturing and joy.
To Complete:
- Trip to Disney World
- Backyard fence
- Stairs on back porch
Friday, December 28, 2007
Reflections on 2007
It's been an interesting year filled with many lessons and blessings. Looking back on my focus for the year, I can say that I have not meet everything completely, but I did manage to focus on quite a few things.
There were 4 things I chose to focus on for 2007:
I would definitely say that I am living more consciously. I have totally been aware of my blessings, and in the past year I've gone from the desire to move, to completely embracing and falling in love with our current house.
Though I am living a bit more greenly, I'm not nearly living as greenly as I could be. I was not able, nor willing to follow through with the compact pledge which ended up being more time consuming and challenging than I thought. Though, there is a part of me wishing I'd stuck with it. However, realistically, it would be too much at this time.
Eating healthier as a family proved to slide in a big way. I'm still trying to figure that one out.
And, I've been conscious of spending and more aware, but still spending too much. I am consciously aware of what I eat though. (Even if it is a chocolate bar. :)
In the big picture, I am so much more aware of things and how I do things. It's definitely a process, one I'll tweak for next year's focus, but one that's definitely worth it.
In regards to enjoying life - yeah. Definitely been doing that this year.
In regards to the home environment, I've exceeded expectations on the indoors. No painting was done, but lots of clutter was removed. We also rearranged the house and created a new family living space and playroom. It definitely feels like a new home.
And, though we didn't get to the fence this past year, it's okay. I still created a mini sanctuary on the back porch that was wonderful. Thanks to Mom's donation of a swing and bistro table set.
I could've spent more time outdoors. But, at least I made the most of the time I did spend outdoors. :)
I'm going to give a good long thought to those for 2008, and try to set up things to focus on. One thing I've learned in being more aware and living life consciously, is that I only have so many hours in the day. Certain things need to be honored as priorities, and thus, that means that others will need to be pushed aside or on the back burner.
The bonus is that I'm totally okay with this. :)
So, to sum it up, this year - I fell totally in love with my life. Totally. I have witnessed all of the blessings (my hubby, Pook, the house, fabulous friendships, Yes lists, being realistic about what I can and can't do). I have embraced my life, my family, my friends, and allowed myself to be present, aware, and enjoy them. There were some challenges (like our wonderful car repairs to keep our autos running), but the blessings have outweighed them all.
My heart is joy-filled. My mind is open. Compassion for myself and others, is blossoming abundantly. I am filled with gratitude for 2007.
And now, I'm off to ponder my focus for 2008. Hmmmm...
There were 4 things I chose to focus on for 2007:
- To live consciously - Yes, overall. As for the details... :)
- To make it a point to enjoy life more -Yes
- To continue to create a home environment that radiates contentment, peace, love, nurturing, and joy -Exceedingly YES!
- To spend more time outdoors -More than in the past, but would've liked to have done more.
I would definitely say that I am living more consciously. I have totally been aware of my blessings, and in the past year I've gone from the desire to move, to completely embracing and falling in love with our current house.
Though I am living a bit more greenly, I'm not nearly living as greenly as I could be. I was not able, nor willing to follow through with the compact pledge which ended up being more time consuming and challenging than I thought. Though, there is a part of me wishing I'd stuck with it. However, realistically, it would be too much at this time.
Eating healthier as a family proved to slide in a big way. I'm still trying to figure that one out.
And, I've been conscious of spending and more aware, but still spending too much. I am consciously aware of what I eat though. (Even if it is a chocolate bar. :)
In the big picture, I am so much more aware of things and how I do things. It's definitely a process, one I'll tweak for next year's focus, but one that's definitely worth it.
In regards to enjoying life - yeah. Definitely been doing that this year.
In regards to the home environment, I've exceeded expectations on the indoors. No painting was done, but lots of clutter was removed. We also rearranged the house and created a new family living space and playroom. It definitely feels like a new home.
And, though we didn't get to the fence this past year, it's okay. I still created a mini sanctuary on the back porch that was wonderful. Thanks to Mom's donation of a swing and bistro table set.
I could've spent more time outdoors. But, at least I made the most of the time I did spend outdoors. :)
I'm going to give a good long thought to those for 2008, and try to set up things to focus on. One thing I've learned in being more aware and living life consciously, is that I only have so many hours in the day. Certain things need to be honored as priorities, and thus, that means that others will need to be pushed aside or on the back burner.
The bonus is that I'm totally okay with this. :)
So, to sum it up, this year - I fell totally in love with my life. Totally. I have witnessed all of the blessings (my hubby, Pook, the house, fabulous friendships, Yes lists, being realistic about what I can and can't do). I have embraced my life, my family, my friends, and allowed myself to be present, aware, and enjoy them. There were some challenges (like our wonderful car repairs to keep our autos running), but the blessings have outweighed them all.
My heart is joy-filled. My mind is open. Compassion for myself and others, is blossoming abundantly. I am filled with gratitude for 2007.
And now, I'm off to ponder my focus for 2008. Hmmmm...
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Birthday wishes
Today is the birthday of my mother. I've spent the day celebrating with Mom, taking her to lunch, shopping, cooking, etc. It was a fun, yet quiet way to spend her 65th.
She'll be leaving to go back home in the next day or two. And I only hope, that we've provided her with a quiet place to relax and step away for a bit.
The only thing I'm disappointed with, is that it didn't snow. A white Christmas (that we didn't have to travel in/on) would've been so nice. And, it would've enabled Mom to play with Pook in the snow. Something that she's wanted to do since Pook was born, and hasn't had the chance to.
So happy birthday to Mom! May you have many more.
She'll be leaving to go back home in the next day or two. And I only hope, that we've provided her with a quiet place to relax and step away for a bit.
The only thing I'm disappointed with, is that it didn't snow. A white Christmas (that we didn't have to travel in/on) would've been so nice. And, it would've enabled Mom to play with Pook in the snow. Something that she's wanted to do since Pook was born, and hasn't had the chance to.
So happy birthday to Mom! May you have many more.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Wishing everyone...
A very Merry Christmas, filled with comfort, joy, peace, and goodwill towards all!
Friday, December 21, 2007
the longest night of the year
Tomorrow is the solstice. I think that means tomorrow will be the longest night of the year. I'm not sure, but it's got me thinking. (What doesn't get me thinking, eh?)
I am one of those who enjoy the solstice. I enjoy the quiet dark of the lengthening night during the holiday season. Why? Because it encourages me to slow down amidst the consumer chaos. It's a time to turn inward and ponder. I also like that it happens in the autumn, so that during winter's chill, the daylight increases, warming the senses with the promise of spring.
This last year has not been as quiet or as peaceful as we'd have liked.
A while back, I'd asked what the holiday means to people, and a friend of mine told me that the holidays were what you made them. So true!
I find myself longing for a quiet holiday. Aside from this weekend, tomorrow we'll spend time with family. Christmas eve and Christmas day, we shall spend quietly with only my mom and a good friend.
I am longing for the quiet of winter nights, and a small holiday celebration. Actually, I'm just longing for quiet right now, but only because I haven't really had any.
You know the feeling that you've been running, and running, and running? Things just speed by without you paying attention. And then, I got sick. I'm still nursing the congestion, but at least my joints aren't aching and my skin isn't so sensitive.
That is what I've been feeling like for a while. And now, I'm ready to slow down again. I want to savor moments. I want to sit and watch the snow, without my thoughts drifting to class lessons, holiday To Do's and mailing out parcels. Curl up with a good book, lots of blankets, and playing in the snow.
I am full aware that the longing is because I've not been making these things a priority. I've somehow gotten caught up in the running around, and lost focus on what is in front of me. I've been scattering my energies, and the long night is rather symbolic of pulling myself back in, rediscovering what I want.
So, that's where I am this night before the longest night of the year. Welcome winter. Welcome reflection. Welcome peace.
I am one of those who enjoy the solstice. I enjoy the quiet dark of the lengthening night during the holiday season. Why? Because it encourages me to slow down amidst the consumer chaos. It's a time to turn inward and ponder. I also like that it happens in the autumn, so that during winter's chill, the daylight increases, warming the senses with the promise of spring.
This last year has not been as quiet or as peaceful as we'd have liked.
A while back, I'd asked what the holiday means to people, and a friend of mine told me that the holidays were what you made them. So true!
I find myself longing for a quiet holiday. Aside from this weekend, tomorrow we'll spend time with family. Christmas eve and Christmas day, we shall spend quietly with only my mom and a good friend.
I am longing for the quiet of winter nights, and a small holiday celebration. Actually, I'm just longing for quiet right now, but only because I haven't really had any.
You know the feeling that you've been running, and running, and running? Things just speed by without you paying attention. And then, I got sick. I'm still nursing the congestion, but at least my joints aren't aching and my skin isn't so sensitive.
That is what I've been feeling like for a while. And now, I'm ready to slow down again. I want to savor moments. I want to sit and watch the snow, without my thoughts drifting to class lessons, holiday To Do's and mailing out parcels. Curl up with a good book, lots of blankets, and playing in the snow.
I am full aware that the longing is because I've not been making these things a priority. I've somehow gotten caught up in the running around, and lost focus on what is in front of me. I've been scattering my energies, and the long night is rather symbolic of pulling myself back in, rediscovering what I want.
So, that's where I am this night before the longest night of the year. Welcome winter. Welcome reflection. Welcome peace.
Monday, December 17, 2007
A day on the couch (aka thoughts running rampid)
I should add the disclaimer, that my head's rather fuzzy. So, this may or may not make sense.
Well, this weekend I ended up with the lovely cold that Pook started with last week. I started with it yesterday. Today, I've got the fever part of it. So, I'm staying on the couch, with the game plan to read, rest, and relax.
Sitting here on this couch (I spent most of Sunday on it), has given me time to think about things. I made a huge bunch (small army) of fabric Christmas trees. Which I spent the weekend decorating (sewing buttons on) with the help of my awesome hubby and Pook's guidance. And, I came to a very valuable revelation after the 5th or 6th tree...
Why was I making them? Yes, they are cute. But what can you use them for? I'm using some to decorate our house and windows. Others went to teachers and others are going to grandmas, and some to friends. I've still got too many.
As I was sewing the buttons on, it hit me. Why am I doing this to myself? Yes, I enjoying making things and doing crafts, but I don't make them to sell. So, why was I doing this to myself? And how can I not do this again?
Well, the head is fuzzy, and, as much as I could blather on about things, I'm afraid it would become intelligible babble, which, would rather defeat the purpose, or, would it?
Yeah, it's time to lay down and rest the head for a bit.
Well, this weekend I ended up with the lovely cold that Pook started with last week. I started with it yesterday. Today, I've got the fever part of it. So, I'm staying on the couch, with the game plan to read, rest, and relax.
Sitting here on this couch (I spent most of Sunday on it), has given me time to think about things. I made a huge bunch (small army) of fabric Christmas trees. Which I spent the weekend decorating (sewing buttons on) with the help of my awesome hubby and Pook's guidance. And, I came to a very valuable revelation after the 5th or 6th tree...
Why was I making them? Yes, they are cute. But what can you use them for? I'm using some to decorate our house and windows. Others went to teachers and others are going to grandmas, and some to friends. I've still got too many.
As I was sewing the buttons on, it hit me. Why am I doing this to myself? Yes, I enjoying making things and doing crafts, but I don't make them to sell. So, why was I doing this to myself? And how can I not do this again?
Well, the head is fuzzy, and, as much as I could blather on about things, I'm afraid it would become intelligible babble, which, would rather defeat the purpose, or, would it?
Yeah, it's time to lay down and rest the head for a bit.
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