2013 was full.
It brought with it a tremendous amount of change. We lost people we love, we moved on from people who did not bring out the best in us, serious thought was given to the lives we've lead and the lives laid ahead of us - all of us. It was a year of rebuiding. Some of us from rubble. Some of us simple redirection of our effort. Some of us shaken to the core. It was challenging. It was exhausting. It was invigorating.
2013 will not leave us the same as it found us.
2014 is like looking at a blank page.
Normally that prospect would be somewhat scary and I've often hedged my fear by filling up my lists and calendar with plenty to do and places to be. In contrast, I am entering this new year with relatively little on my plate. I will continue to honour that which brings me joy and honours my highest good.
That includes:
- Returning to red. I was red-head for years and then had kids. I'm generally inclined to embrace the gray, but it's simply not coming in fast enough and I've found frustration in the wait. So, while the gray decides to come and stay, I'm back to red. It's fun!
- Danielle LaPorte and her Desire Map is becoming a huge part of my thought process. It flows nicely with my values and beliefs. I'm one of her book club leaders and look forward to encourage people to work toward how they want to feel. It seems to be such a simple concept, but wow. Totally amazing shift in perspective.
- I will participate with Ali Edwards in her One Little Word project. I will enjoy the challenge of incorporating my guiding word into my life.
- I've finally found and joined a book club - very excited about it.
- I plan on spending plenty more time, down the street, at iGita. My friend Lisa introduced me to Kundalini meditation (guided meditation for A-types) on Friday mornings and I join my friend Jill for reformer Pilates class - as well as a private one for just me, once a week. It has been fantastic and become an integral ritual as part of my self care.
- I've enjoyed my once-a-month drives to Kingston to visit Claire at Queen's. I do not enjoy the traffic coming and going, but I do enjoy the in-person check-in with my girl. She is thriving and I'm so very pleased. I miss her not being at home and know when she heads back after the break it will be another big adjustment, for all of us.
- Project Life is exactly what it is - representative of my life. In fits and starts. Better than nothing and far from perfect. Sounds about right!
- I can't wait to see both Cole and Chloé perform in Leader of the Pack the all-school play. They have been rehearsing a ton and it's going to be great to see them. The big performance is at the end of February.
- Watching Caden improve as "middle" at volleyball has been a delight. I enjoy being manager of his team and look forward to how the season unfolds.
- While my dad is home, I've been enjoying our "Dads & Daughters" lunches where the four of us are able to share and ask and learn. It has been a wonderful experience. Kudos, once again, to my sister Beth for suggesting it - and then making it happen. I hope for many more over the next year, and beyond.
- Karla Dudley is one of my favourite digital artists and she is teaching her first course. It didn't take me long to decide to sign up! I also re-upped for Karen Russell's Snapshots course. No doubt there will be more courses through the year.
- I'm not going to settle ever again, but the idea of a relationship is not as ridiculous as it once was. It'll happen when it happens, I'm not looking but I'm also no longer completely closed off to the idea.
- I turn 50 in September. I hope to go somewhere wonderful and exotic. Bora Bora? Hawai'i? New Zealand? South Africa? Morocco? Australia?
- The return of my sister Beth to the area has been welcome and fun. It's been wonderful getting to know her family in a less "special occasion" way. Really lovely. After years of isolation, family is a huge focus. With four sisters, how can it not be? All of our kids keep us hopping. They now range between 18 years of age and 4 months! There is always something to do and some place to be.
- Cole will go into boarding in September and plans for University will have to be finalized by October. So far Kings in Halifax is winning, with UofT a close second. Wow. Blink! And then there were two children left at home.
- The Next Chapter has become a real possibility. I'm enjoying the planning. I can only hope I enjoy the execution and maintenance, too!
- I'm looking forward to continue the tradition of the Canyon Ranch experience in April. The annual summer trip to Cape Cod with the kids over the course of the summer is integral to our family DNA. Of course, Mother's Day with Nanna & Grampy as well as the big family dinner at Christmas is not to be missed.
A pretty full blank page :)
Full but focused on the simple things. Nothing complicated. Just family and friends and learning and staying open to all life has in store.
