I was taking a moment yesterday afternoon, just to rest and recharge. Since the house was filled with the sounds of the family, my "resting moments were spent on the computer reading some favorite blogs..quickly coming to
Jordan's Happy New Year's post.
Struck by how similar our thoughts were..both about the week between the holidays and the New Year itself.
First off, I have always loved the week between the holiday's. In the past often going away and spending time recharging. Over the last few years, often using it as a week to hang out with the family in a way that is only possible at this time of year, taking stock and getting organized. In years past, the busy weeks leading up to the holidays, had a very different tone. Thinking so much about gifts for the kids, the holiday plans and running around to holiday events and parties with the kids. Over the last few years, work topics weighing heavily on my mind, and occupying my thoughts.
This year in the weeks leading up to the holidays were totally different. A personal and work routine that had a totally different rythym, a decision with my husband to seriously lessen the amount of gifts, and choosing to participate in only the things that had real meaning for us and for the kids. I am sure as well, the thoughts of what rituals we wanted to create with the girls were burried deep in my mind, but in simply following my heart, it became a time of letting go and becoming.
A few weeks ago, Walking into our packed garage, filled with "Stuff" from years past. Too many clothes, books that no longer inspired as they had, gifts that while thoughtful, did not really get used, paperwork that no longer needed to be held onto and some things that no longer had a place in our home or my heart.
I was finally ready to let go and I did.
One day, during this time, I woke up and started thinking about all the things that I needed and wanted to do, that I had not completed. Making a list the next morning, in the early hours, I worked over the last few days to take care of the have to do's and with 1 thing pending, know that I will get it all done in the next few days. It feels really good.
Next up, reaching out to some people that I had wanted to connect with, but for a variety of reasons, did not in the final months of the year as planned.
Finally a small list of things that I wanted to do at the beginning of the year to start the year off right...
So, as I think about 2010 my thoughts and hopes are simple..some carry over from 2009, a year of great learning.
Clean, Simple, Clear..A year of few things and focus on the lessons I have learned from years gone by.
1. Live what I love-Continue to speak from the heart, spend quality time with friends and family and connect with those that I love, spend time doing what is important to me and our family.
Let go as needed...of things, people and relationships that after honest conversations and deep exploration.
2. Enjoy simple pleasures-Fresh flowers at home, weekly trips to the farmers market and healthy food, daily excercise and water!
3. Don't overcommit and take care of what is needed at the time..making dr's apts, dealing with something unpleasant..you know the drill..It allows me to then be totally present in what is really important.
4. Become a student-
Learn and truly practice Yoga...found a great Bikram studio nearby and love their learning philosophy. Over the years as I've dabbled in Yoga and Pilates, Bikram was the one form of yoga that I loved.
Take a photography class-waiting for the Spring schedule from
Susannah Conway and a class my husband discovered nearby
5. Live the good life ( borrowed the term from Jordan! )
Wear the beautiful clothes I do have ( and not think about adding to my closet! ) everyday..learn a simple and elegant makeup routine and use it daily ( think I am on my way here..finally, at the age of 41 !) play music and light candles at home ( again, carrying this over from 2009..it was wonderful. ) and enjoy the art of cooking with My Husband and for our family. Have causal parties for friends and family. Take time to read during the week..one of the many books in our home library and eventually from the local library which is fantastic.
Here is to a wonderful New Year..filled with love, laughter and learning...
Image from Letteria, which I originally saw on
Poppytalk
Posts
