New Year's Intentions

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page."

-Saint Augstine

(Photo Source)

I'll be honest, 2009 was a particularly rough year for me.  I struggled with a tough bout of depression which brought along with it lots of life changes.  With some time and inner discovery I learned a lot about myself.  One is an inclination to give and give and give some more while I neglect myself.  With a lot of love from family and friends I learned to roll with the tough stuff and give myself space to let go and cry when I needed to.  I'm also learning to accept help when I need it.  A big step for me, I'm not sure why?  Thankfully, as the year closed I climbed out of that hole...

and I had bright start in 2010.  We learned we had a sweet little baby on the way.  Kevin and I both always wanted to be parents, so it was a welcomed and embraced surprise!  We held on tight as my mom had both brain surgery to remove her tumor and total hip replacement surgery a few months apart.  We were shocked in June when we discovered Kevin had Testicular Cancer and just a month prior his dad was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer.  Thankfully other than emotional, pregnancy was very smooth for me.  I had a a period of insomnia and a 50+ pound weight gain (no emotional eating here)  but I took yoga, walked often and felt great up until Chloe's birth.  So with radiation, chemotherapy and 5 surgeries last year between us and our immediate family.  Yep, though we intended to have a natural birth, Chloe arrived via cesarean after 15+ hours of unmedicated labor.  I plan on going for an aunatural VBAC next time (more on Chloe's birth story later, it's almost done).  I'm thrilled to say, we are all healthy.

It has been a rollercoaster and let's just say the last couple years have rocked our world!  The best part is we have come through so much and feel lighter and brighter than ever.  I believe all of these events happened for some reason.  And regardless, we came out stronger but more importantly happier because of them.  Kevin and I are closer than we have ever been and have had some really deep conversations that we may have never had until our later years.  We have realized that life is truly precious, you've gotta love what you've got!

So, my new years intentions are:

Gratitude- keep fresh in my mind all the blessings I have in my life.  Each day record one on paper (or on iphone application).

Adventure- laugh more, use my creativity, stay curious, be active,  try new recipes, take road trips, visit museums/parks and choose something daily to have more fun.  I think it'll be easy to embrace the child-like with the babe by my side.

Invite- make space for relaxation and spontaneity.  I tend to be a bit typeAish about housework, thank you notes, and what could be called busy work, it's kinda my nature.  This intention was sparked from a conversation my hunny and I had recently about doing too much on weekends.  Sometimes we go overboard making social plans (which we so enjoy) however inviting space in our lives leaves room for the unexpected.

Nurture- both me and my family.  this means living a simple life, being kind to myself, not putting too much on my plate and giving to myself what I need.  Take time to read, a hot bath, a walk in the fresh ocean air, have date night, a couple of hours out with friends or a much needed nap.  Recognize what makes me feel whole and do it.


Acronym, GAIN?  But not weight.