I cannot believe that I have not posted since November. I cannot believe that I have neglected the thing I love the most...writing and photography. It seems sometimes, often really, the things I love the most get put to the bottom of my to do pile. Not this year.
I have chosen my word for 2013 and it is Focus. I didn't even have to struggle to find it.. I know that in order for me to find my joy, I really need to pay attention to what is important, and make it happen.
During December I ran into some medical problems...which I am still dealing with, but I am moving forward slowly. Whatever happens in my life, both positive and negative, I know, at the end, there is a lesson learned. What I learned through this process, which was happening right in the middle of Christmas, was that I don't have to do it all and what I do doesn't always have to be perfect. What I percieve as the best isn't always what other's perceive. I didn't get all the shopping done, didn't get all the food cooked and I wasn't the life of the party but my kids said it was one of the best Christmases ever...the gift was that we were all together.
That started me thinking about the rest of my life and all I try to do in a day, a week, a month and the year. It also showed me that the things I love most were not always a priorty. I take on to much. I had lots of time to think and slow down.
So for this year..I am going to Focus on what I love...keeping even those things simple. Finishing my blog..top priorty but I'll ease back into it. Photography...I do o.k. with that one but would like to get out more during the week. Ah, my one really big love...READING, making time for that this year. Keeping track also. I'll start a reading page right here on my blog. Tea, knitting they have their space also but with a much more relaxed attitude from me.
How to accomplish this...somethings have to go. First on the list..Facebook. Oh I'm not giving it up but I will only check it at the beginning of the day and at the end. Flickr...less frequently, more blog time. I'm learning how to say NO in an easier manner. Shutting down my computer by 9 p.m. That will be a challenge but that is where I'll get my reading time. I can't do everything. That's a start. We'll see how I do with all of this.
I'm starting a Happiness Journal and I'm checking in on myself. Each day, I'll write what I want to accomplish. Short list of things that make me happy...each night I'll check back in to see if I got a few of those happy moments into my day..so far so good. Meeting with a friend for tea or lunch. Oh and today a little trip downtown to a cute boutique that's having a sale...things like that will go on my list.
I do have some things that are always on my Happiness List and will continue to stay..Family time, I am truly blessed in my family. My "Boys"..I love those babies and they heal all ills and make me laugh like crazy. My lessons with Kim Klassen...she's good for my soul and learning is good for my spirit. Going to the woods and feeling the silence and the wonders of this world...all of these stay...the rest, well check in later. If I do it right...this blog will be amazing and so will my life..actually it's pretty amazing already.
Focus...it's the perfect word for me for this year..do you have a word to help you through...
The photo above is from a lesson in Beyond Layers..done by Kim Klassen: Editing and quote are mine..thanks so much Kim for always inspiring me.