my new year of POSSIBILITIES

 

That's my word/intention for 2013: possibilities.  Say it out loud ... it bubbles out of the mouth like water spilling over river rocks.  I love how the concept of possibilities conjures up a sense of spaciousness, a feeling of the magical, a suggestion of adventures and journeys.  

This is my fourth year selecting a word for the year and utilizing it as an intention or touchstone of remembrance and commitment for mindfulness in my daily life.  I have played with Fearless, attempted to Shine and this past year sought Clarity in myself and my life.  

With Clarity, I found myself remembering it whenever I felt overwhelmed, confused, lost or at odds.  It allowed me a pause in the tumble of life to re-set my course or re-adjust my attitude.  What can I gain from this experience?  What lessons are present in this encounter?  How can I take what is happening in the present and allow it to deepen my understanding about myself, my priorities, my values and my beliefs?

I tested Clarity in many ways this past year, particularly in the arena of relationships.  In attempting to stay truthful and honest to myself, I stepped on some toes.  I responded without thinking (usually responding from a deep seated place of fear or insecurity) and then had to follow through on some commitments that weren't the best fit for me but which forced me to grow and from that perspective, have clarity about what is best for me and my family.

Next to Clarity, Possibilities feels downright playful and relaxed and I am excited to think of the year ahead full of such qualities.  

 

Over the holiday break, an old friend was in town and we caught up on two years worth of changes.  The major shift for my friend being a long-term relationship after many years on the dating scene.  What he told me is one way I want to embrace possibilities in the year ahead.  He said "When I became the man of my dreams rather than looking for him out there, then he appeared in my life."

Becoming the dream that we seek - isn't that a ripe and yummy thought?  This is the time for me to draw upon my own resources, to cease casting my line in other waters and buckle down to the work that waits within me.  Writing, painting, crafting, but also playing.  Deepening connection with those who inspire and challenge me to imagine new possibilities, new ways to embrace a creative, fulfilling,  and nourishing life.  I spent much of the break writing letters and cards, returning to a more personal way of connecting.  I want to go deeper; I am tired of skimming the surface of so much stuff - not that it isn't a useful practice, but there comes a time to plunge inward. 

Like finding yourself with lots of limes and deciding to zest the hell of them and make key lime pie.  (Okay, so I didn't make the pie, but I documented and ate it!)



 

So you will find me here and there but more quiet than usual in the online forums.  I'm choosing to plant my words in richer soil; to allow space and time for those words and hopefully discussions to take root and flourish into new ideas, new perspectives and more vibrant and sustaining community.  I hope you will join me.  Grab a cup of tea, settle in and allow your words, your thoughts to steep until mellow and ready to share.  

 

May the coming year find us all cuddled in the embrace of many warm and loving possibilities.  xo