2012 has brought some very mild, new year's resolutions. Rather than lofty outcomes, I wanted to engage in meaningful processes. I broke it down into 4 categories and have been trying to do something from each category everyday... or at least every couple days. (The idea being to support and encourage myself rather than berate myself for failure.)
1. Giving! I've got a groovy husband, sweet kids, supportive family, house, vehicles, plenty of food, Health, a good job, thoughtful friends, heat, running/clean/hot water. And quite honestly, in comparison to what I have been blessed with, I share very little. Like a percentage of a percent. So in my effort to be more aware and give more I have:
Shared Paczki with my patients, taught Yoga at C's school, signed up with Interfaith to be an occasional driver, brought cupcakes to the neighbors, donated clothes/books/ toys to a family that lost their possessions in a fire.
2. Receiving! Even with all I have to be thankful for (see above), I often feel exhausted and frustrated. I take SO much for granted. I want to be more aware of positive energies, thoughts, and actual things flowing into my life. So far in my attempt at grace-filled receiving I have accepted:
An entire weekend of childcare from my parents, a free drink and chips at the bar from my favorite wedding officiant, a Valentine from C.C. , giggles from Lulu, orange juice when I was sick from Kevs, and a nap both to myself and from myself.
3. Creating! This is one aspect of myself that I have let slip away to some extent since filling my life with a spouse and kids. Lack of time is somewhat to blame, but I know it doesn't take much time to add creativity to everyday activities. So with a little effort we were able to:
Do chalk drawings outside (it's been a mild winter!), stamp cards and decorate gift bags, create Mardi Gras masks, make tub paint for the kids bathtime, make a set of thank you cards for a glowing Bride to Be, make Valentines, write a poem, and work on a handmade recipe book.
4. Moving! This is a nice way of telling myself to exercise more. And to enjoy it! And that it doesn't need to be difficult, complex or painful. And that my family is depending on me to be around for a while. That involves me participating in some sort of exercise for my sake, their sake and as an example for my kids of how to do it.
Well this has been the hardest for me so far. It usually consists of doing some quick exercise before bed when I realize I haven't done anything all day.
Most pitiful journal entries include, things like "knee bends", "squats" or "hip circles". As in, I did 15 knee bends in an entire day...
Most proud moment... leading that Kids Yoga Class! (and seeing all those little 3,4, and 5 year old "trees" attempting to reach and balance in unison)
Well it's 9:15. Time to do some paperwork and then maybe a few sit-ups...
