Sunday, January 02, 2011

Ready, And Willing


Happy New Year!

Happy.

New. Year.

A new chance to change things, do things, see things, try things, be things, celebrate things, eat things, learn things, experience things.

A fresh start. A clean slate. A big fat do-over.

I love it.

I try not to get caught up in the resolution-making, but I have to admit, it's hard. I LOVE this time of year, when everything feels new and the possibilities seem endless. I love making fresh lists of things I want to do, to change, to learn. I love making goals for our family and seeing how we ranked with last year's ideas. I love how it feels like the universe has handed me a new page for my own little book and said, "take what you've learned and do better." January always feels to me like a welcoming old friend who I haven't seen in awhile. Go ahead, sit down, tell me your dreams and then let's get to work.

What's better than that?

Last year, I tried to tackle the ever elusive BALANCE that's needed in my life. In some ways, I succeeded. In others, I continued to suck it up but the important thing is that I tried, I learned and I got better. I worked on saying no. I took time for myself. I gave myself more wholly to my children. I nurtured and loved my husband. And all of that feels really good. So good that it's left me searching for a new word to focus on this year.

This is always the hard part. I find myself coming up with words that I think should be my focus but it always takes having them roll around in my little head for awhile before I decide if they're the right one. Usually, they aren't and so the search continues. And then, when I wasn't even thinking about it, my word came to me. Isn't that usually the way?

And so, my word for 2011 is...

EMBRACE

(to take or accept gladly or eagerly; to accept willingly; to enclose and encircle)

Doesn't that sound lovely? I've always been a person who has looked at the whys of a situation; why did this happen? why didn't this happen? I've rarely looked at situations and not seen what's wrong with them. And you know what? I don't like that. I don't want to be that person. I want to roll with the punches and look for the silver lining. I want to see all that's good, all the blessings I have and how fortunate I am and leave all the negativity in the past.

So that's my goal. My pledge. To embrace what comes, whatever it may be and learn all I can from what comes my way. And I'm excited to get started.

What are you itching to do this year?

7 comments:

Unknown said...

I love it! I totally get it too. I guess that's a good word for me as well...I'm trying to embrace myself, as-is this year and love it! I'm itching to get going on my digital scrapbooking classes...yay! Here's to a great year! :D

tharker said...

This is a great goal/word for the year. I love ya!

Sarah said...

Good luck embracing all things that come your way this year! That is a great word for you and I know you will do fantastic.

tharker said...

P.S.
Love your new header!!

Marilyn said...

That's a great word!

I see you were inspired by the Ghandi poster too! Isn't it the BEST???

Melanie said...

Embrace is a beautiful word and one I know you will take to heart.

I too love the new header and I LOVE the Ghandi poster.

karen★ said...

such a perfect & beautiful word. it encompasses so much. have a wonderful year!