January 2013: New Year and New Chances

Enjoying morning contemplation with a cup of Earl Gray and snazzy socks

Celebrating 40 years of love, struggles, and joy. Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad

Stepped out of my comfort zone and watched a play with a good friend

Adventures in the park

Taking advantage of the mild weather and sunny skies.

My 2013 vision board

Full of ideas. Full of activity. And full of contemplation. It's been a pretty fast paced month - especially when it's a new year and you want to try new things.

-- The biggest challenge for me has been contemplation and shifting my thoughts. If contemplation and mindfulness is more valued than actions, why does the world pressure us to think differently. Each day, I wish to meditate, go to yoga, and pray. But, each day is also challenged to think quickly, speak faster and do more in shorter amounts of time. It can be overwhelming. But honestly, that is where I am. I am choosing to think more and to approach activities with more intention. I choose space over the crazy mindlessness....

-- Diving into taking care of my physical body. I am now tracking and working towards health. When you train for races and choose to practice yoga 6 times a week, your body shifts and your mind follows happily. I now wonder and think about the things I am eating, I can sleep better, And, I feel more energetic and happy.

-- Delving into relationships. I've been learning about relating to others, the different love languages, and the responsibility of taking care of myself in order to have enough courage and strength to love others in a courageous way. I have a feeling love and connectedness will be a constant theme in the coming months. There is so much to learn and I am allowing my foolishness and ignorance to humble me.

-- I honor my need for adventures, play, and creativity. I have enjoyed the Prado and War photography exhibits. I had the opportunity to see The Mountaintop. And, I am continuing to delve into reading more and journaling more. The morning pages have been very powerful lately.

-- I'm letting my need for spiritual connectedness lead me to view my life -- all the stressful, ugly, and beautiful parts -- as just one big lovely and courageous life.

-- I will continue to search for ways to serve. Where does my joy need to be? Where can I share and be generous and kind? What situations can I choose to let go of control and just exist in very plain and natural ways?

Cheers to an ambitious and dreamy start to 2013....