Slow down and everything you are chasing will come around and catch you.
– John De Paola
Am I the only one who isn’t ready for the new year? Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been organizing a bit. I’ve been reflecting on the past year. I’ve written some goals down in my journal. I’m ready to pack up the Christmas decorations and vacuum up the evergreen needles. And yes, I love a new start. A fresh. clean. slate.
But I’m not quite ready to get out of my jammies. I feel motivated. I feel excited about what this new year will bring. I have an idea of the direction I’m going in. But my pace is…well…slower. I’ve either been enjoying my morning coffee by the fire a little too much, or maybe…just maybe…my thoughts are changing and my body is listening. Maybe I am really starting to see that I can still conquer my daily “list” AND get on the floor and play with the kids. That reading yet another book at “nigh night” doesn’t really take up that much time. That when I make space for painting or yoga or time away from the family to recharge my batteries, it’s beneficial to everyone. That if I stop at my son’s request to play in the middle of sweeping, well, heck…the sweeping still gets done. AND the world doesn’t end if I don’t finish that “list” in a day’s time.
Huh.
I’m a lover of New Years. I’m the queen of writing intentions and resolutions. Reflecting on the past? Planning for the future? Setting goals? Making lists? I got that stuff down.
But here at the start of 2012, I feel the need to open up to the moment that is here, right in front of my eyes. I feel more creative that way. I feel more centered. I feel happier as I drift through the day, with less expectations, less control, and less freaking out when things don’t go my way.
My focus for 2011 was to receive, to learn to live without, and to embrace stillness. In 2010 I focused on reducing clutter and creating space. In 2009 I set an intention to live more boldly.
And now…I am listening to that inner request to slow down, to celebrate each moment, to LAUGH MORE, to PLAY MORE, to focus on my health and wealth, and to continue mothering with heART.
So I guess I really am ready for 2012, but rather than writing some crazy list of things to accomplish, I want to stop pushing and stop chasing. I want to keep celebrating living each day and simply be more open to letting this new year (and my life) naturally unfold…
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To celebrate my birthday (It’s tomorrow!) I’m offering one last chance to win a spot in my upcoming Inside Out: A Creative Adventure of Self-Discovery e-course. Just leave a comment on this post to the following question for your chance to win! I’ll announce a winner this Friday.
Your Personal Reflection: What is your intention, phrase, special word, feeling or simple goals that are guiding you into the new year?
