2013 - One Word

Simplicity.

This is my theme word for 2013.

I don't know when this word started to resonate with me. I think it came slowly throughout last year as I pledged to adhere to my 2012 theme word - Kindness. Kindness came in the form of being kind to myself - body, soul and spirit. I nurtured myself holistically and in turn felt kindness flowing out to others and the world around me. My mind became less cluttered with chaotic thoughts, my body felt cleansed from eating good, nutritious food and strong through regular exercise.

I found that the simple things in life meant the most to me - spending time with my beautiful family, walking in the fresh air, a good book, hand made things, second hand things, open spaces, calm spaces, music....and silence. Christmas was a very simple affair with small gifts and a simple feast at my sisters place, shared amongst family.

So it just naturally came to me that 2013 needed to be a year of simplicity.

* I intend pursuing things that promote a sense of peace within and without, unity with those I love the most.

* I want to be fully present in each moment, enjoying them for what they are; not mourning the past or thinking about the future but just being.

* I will spend more meaningful time with my children, learning more about them as the adults they are and still exploring the world around us together.

* I plan to declutter my home, going through all my possessions and things and donating them to support agencies so that others may benefit from them.

* I intend living simply and sensibly by asking myself if what I purchase is really needed. Can I live without it? Can I obtain it second hand?

* I want to eat as organically and as simply as possible; nurturing my body and those of my family with good, nutritious, wholesome food.

* I would like to nurture my creative side by making things with my hands - sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, painting, cooking, baking. I'd like to bless others with things I make, pouring love into the gift I make.

I'm excited to be in 2013. I feel that I have journeyed a long way from the person I once was. Every step of the journey to this point has been worth it. Every. Single. Step. I've stopped judging life and experiences and things as good or bad. The just ARE. They are all just life experiences that we can learn from if we choose to. I'm choosing to, and honestly I have been more peaceful ever since I decided to make that choice.

Happy 2013 everyone.