A New Year

As 2014 was wrapping up, I took some time to reflect over the past 12 months.  An action I try to do every year.  It can be difficult finding some quiet time during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, but doing so is something I've found to be extraordinarily worth while.  As I look back at 2014, many things come to mind - from new chapters starting, amazing new career opportunities, to working through challenges, to exploring new places and recommitting to our health.  All in all, the word growth seems so apropos to the year that was.  Growth personally, growth professionally, growth in our relationship and growth in our family unit as we expect the arrival of our baby.  Growth is not always easy, but the effort is almost always worthwhile.  I am ever grateful for the pathway I am on and have always tried to trust the plan, even when the reality of walking that plan, committing to that plan, means going with the flow and having perseverance and faith when challenges come up.  And, I am blessed to be walking may path with the best partner I could have by my side.  

                                                                                                

Adapted from Mashable

As I look ahead to 2015, on this, its first day, I am eager and hopeful.  It is my intention to continue the wonderful growth that I experienced in so many aspects of my life last year and plan to use that foundation as a springboard into the year ahead.  

Each New Year's Day, I select a word that will be my goal for the year, a guidepost if you will.  2015 my word is PRESENCE.  Presence is a complex word, one that I encounter often during my study and exploration into mediation, a practice that I started in 2014.  It is a word that means so very much in so many situations.  Webster's defines presence as the fact of being in a particular place: the state of being present. 

via GettingComfy.com

To me, presence evokes the awareness of the moment, of the current, without judgement.  It is neither good or bad, it asks for no judgement statement to be made, it only requires one to be fully aware of the now.  It also describes being fully involved in that moment, not worrying about the past or predicting the future.  It calls to mind a phrase Nick often says, "Chop Wood.  Carry Water."  A zen saying to bring your attention back to the action at hand.  It means committing to the moment at hand, committing to who you are with, what with you are doing, and not being distracted by thought, boredom or diversions.  It is something I struggle with at times and hope to explore further and incorporate more into my everyday life throughout the year.  I anticipate this skill may also help me as I become a first-time mother and walk this new, uncharted part of my journey. 

Today, as I look back with a grateful heart for all that 2014 offered and look ahead to 2015 with excitement, I hope to incorporate a few other habits into the next 12 months.  I want to challenge our family to spend at least 100 days outdoors.  I was inspired by a contest that Rock Mountain National Park issued in September of last year to get outside more and connect with nature.  I'll document our progress on my Instagram account.  To follow along, follow me @jpell224

In closing, I offer the blessing of St. Francis - 
May the Lord bless you and keep you; May He show His face to you and have mercy; May He give you peace.  

Happy 2015! 
-Jessica