A Word or Two for the New Year

Usually I pick a word for the year, a word that will guide me through those 365 days. Two years in a row I chose "being authentic" because that is important to me. Last year it was "grow" - and while I was successful with growth in some parts of my life, it didn't apply to other parts.

My word for 2014 came completely on its own - I wasn't even thinking about a word when it popped right up in November. It appeared while I was reading a wonderful mail from a blogging friend that was so sweet it brought tears to my eyes. She wrote about events in her life that I somehow have totally missed out on because I hadn't visited her blog for quite some time. That moment, the word "time" popped up and settled in my mind.

While I did relatively well on "grow" I had slipped many things at the same time. It seems that "grow" pre-occupied me in such a way that things I care about and are important to me were pushed to the back burner - because of the lack of time. Just leaning back and reading a book. Watching the birds at my feeders in the garden. Knitting. Going through cookbooks and try some new recipes. Enjoying a cup of coffee while really listening to music, not just as a background. Meditating. Walking around the lake with open eyes and not just rushing around it because I was busy to grow something else.

Don't get me wrong - "grow" was the right word for last year, but I didn't always handle it very well. It actually "grew" (ha!) to my word for 2014 - making time.

Not taking time. Making time. Actively making time for something that I enjoy, that cuddles my soul.

While I am aware that I still will work hard and many hours for my shop (which I thoroughly enjoy), I am convinced that if I am more thoughtful and careful with my time I can accomplish more in less hours and have time for the things that feed my soul. The start so far has been good. On a warm day around noon I sat outside close to the feeders and watched the birds. I was so still that a little junco even landed on my knee. A squirrel sat just a foot from me away. Birds were flying by my head very close. It was an hour of pure bliss.

I started to knit again. A few weeks ago, Jo and I visited a yarn shop and I found such beautiful yarn that I could already see the finished project. I bought the yarn, Jo showed me a special stitch that I could do to get the pattern I wanted and I just started. I'm far from finished, but I enjoy the movement of my hands and see the green scarf with its beautiful pattern getting longer. While knitting I can listen to music and just let my thoughts wander.

Meditating - it's not really meditating (I think), but I have started to make time for some "conscious breathing". I sit or lie on our red sofa with my eyes closed, breathe deeply and follow my breathing. It's only for about 20 minutes a day, but they are very refreshing and I also feel like emptying my head because I don't think of anything specifically. Another benefit of this is that it actually helps my blood pressure which is more than welcome.

And - I'm making time for exercising again. I became very sluggish with that toward the end of the year. Last Monday I started my "regime" again and am back to Jazzercise. I have to admit that the first time was a bit hard, but also fun. Sure, my body is sore now, but it's a good kind of soreness. I am determined to stick to it.

So - I hope that eventually I will learn to make more time for things that are not related to my business but will do me good. Being more connected is one of them. Writing letters, reading blogs, reaching out. Being present.

It should be a good year!