Saturday, January 01, 2011

A New Year begins...01.01.11


For 2011 I have chosen the word Balance.
I'm feeling like I really need to get that work/life/self balance right.

Women need real moments of solitude and self-reflection to balance out how much of ourselves we give away" Barbara De Angeles

I need to feel as though I can give enough time to my children, my husband, my home duties/other commitments and still manage to find time for me. At the moment that time tends to be here on the computer late at night - not at all conducive to getting enough hours of sleep each night.

I'm hoping the following intentions will help support me in getting the balance just right
* get back into a routine with my work around the house, including making sure the dishes are done and the kitchen is tidy each night before bed.
* Make sure I have at least two computer free evenings a week. Spent the time doing some crafting, or reading a book, and then heading to bed as soon as I feel tired.
* Spend more time outside. Walking Isaac to school, playing outside with the kids, having a daily cuppa outside in the sunshine.
* Making the time for a regular crafty day with friends.
* Work out an afternoon routine that will give everyone the time and attention and they need for homework, sport, music practice etc
* Meal plan so that I'm not always on the back foot deciding what to make for tea.
* Take a few minutes each day to appreciate how wonderfully blessed our family and life really is. Place a few 'reminders' around to make sure I remember to do this.

I'm sure there will be more things that I will add to this list. Hopefully they will guide me, and prompt me in the direction I want to be heading. As I juggle the joys and complexities of teenagers and toddlers, friends and family, self and others, I'm hoping to get closer to that perfect harmony that makes my life feel balanced and simplified and be able to feel happy and content on a daily basis. I want to build on my homemaking skills, find time to do the things I enjoy, spend time with loved ones, appreciate the little things. I want to give more weight to those things that will help balance my life, and less to those that seek to disrupt the delicate balance I'm seeking to achieve.

To help remind me of the direction that I want to be heading in this year, I'm going to print off the following words and place then somewhere that I will read them on a daily basis.

May today there be peace within.
May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others.
May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content with yourself just the way you are.

Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul
the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.

When I came across this prayer it seemed to really resonate with me. The first fact that caught my eye was the name, St. Theresa of Lisieux's Prayer - my confirmation name is Theresa - it seemed very appropriate! The words are so powerful and the message is one of strength, hope, faith and happiness. It reminds me that the only way to find that life balance and the sense of peace is within myself.

I have also used the following quote, as part of this years diary, as a daily reminder/prompt

"Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony.” Thomas Merton

7 comments:

shan {missy melly} said...

i love your word nic!! good luck in achieving balance... i'm sure you will get there quickly and enjoy some "you" time

happy new year xx

Christie said...

Balance is such a good word. Your family is so lucky to have a strong and thoughtful woman in their lives.

Mamie Girl said...

Hey Nic. So supprised to come over here and learn that your word for the year is the same as mine. I want to get my mind a little more balanced, i tend to worry about things far to much so i am going to try meditating this year. Also spend way too much time thinking about crafting instead of doing. I definetly need more balance. LOVE your new header gonna have to go explore....

Kelly Casanova said...

I hope you can achieve the balance you need this year. The things you have listed are things all of us Mums need more of.

Anonymous said...

Far Out Nic, I'm exhausted at the mere thought of it!! Good luck to you in acheiving balance, i don't know how you do it.

Here's a quote I have had for years which may help:
"Perfect happiness is enthusiasm , minus expectation" I love it, it's from Sri Chimnoy but I'm not really sure who he/she is or what religous beleifs, but it struck a chord with me!! Cheers
SJ

kathie said...

Good word Nic. Although, I've always thought of you as being a balanced person anyway :). I haven't found a word for 2011 yet. Still searching for what I want to get out of the year...

Jenny said...

Hi Nic, if you are still interested in a doll for your little one someone has just cancelled their Feb order. You can email me at littlejennywrendolls(at)live.com.au