At the risk of sounding cliche,

I've been pondering resolutions for the new year.  Just small ones, ones that might lead to real, lasting change and an improved life.  2012 offered me some huge opportunities for growth, and while I haven't always met the challenge, I'm inspired to keep trying.  Here are some of my goals for 2013:

* Start and maintain a gratitude jar
* Keep a journal in which I document at least one blessing every day
* Keep in better touch with the people I love by taking the time to make the phone calls I've gotten so good at avoiding and sending the emails I consistently put off
* Add more veggies to dinnertime meals
* Take a walk at least 2 times a week in hopes of building up to more as the year goes on
* Help Doran learn how to ride his bike on just 2 wheels
* Read one book a month
* Learn how to juggle

Who knows where making these relatively simple changes will lead?  Maybe helping Doran learn how to ride his bike will inspire me to buy a bike and start riding again.  Maybe reading regularly again will inspire me to finally go back to school.  Maybe keeping in touch with my friends and family will lead me to meet more people and develop more meaningful relationships.  If nothing else I hope to feel better. 

Best wishes to all of us for a wonderful new year!

Happy Solstice!

My Winter Solstice observation was delightfully simple today.  Doran and I started with a cinnamon roll breakfast after which I sent him to school for the last day before break.  I spent the day with my three favorite 11-month-olds, and they were just oozing cuteness.  After a short but satisfying nap in the afternoon, Doran and I shared a lovely meal by candlelight while discussing how thankful we were for this time of year and the return of the sun.  A couple of holiday shows later and I'm ready to retire for the night, eager to sleep in tomorrow morning.

I'm amazed at how relatively low-stress I've remained this holiday season.  My goal has been to more consciously enjoy the moment and appreciate this season for what it is:  a time to slow down, reflect upon the year's joys and sorrows, successes and mistakes and plan for the next year.  It's a time to appreciate the many blessings experienced and to let those people close to your heart know how much they mean to you.  The gifts I've given have been given from a place of pure joy and appreciation, not obligation.  I've spent less money mindlessly and created more consciously.  Doran and I have crafted at leisure and created so many delightful memories.  I've been reminded again and again of how beautiful my life is as well as ways I can improve myself and my world.  And while I have looked intently at sales flyers and promotions from a ridiculous number of websites and retailers, it has been a choice not a requirement.  All of this combined has been more liberating than I can adequately relate.

2012 has been a year of so much change and growth for me, and while I'm not nearly where I want to be, I've gained the confidence of knowing I can get there.  As I celebrate the lengthening days, I look forward to what the next year brings.  Merry Yule!