“Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Ghandi
I love the first week of the New Year. People are buzzing with positive energy, celebrating possibility and setting intentions for 2012. For me, it’s also the week of my birthday, a time to reflect on what I’ve accomplished and evaluate if I’m living my life with purpose and intent. To celebrate, I buy a new notebook, reflect on accomplishments from the previous year, set new personal goals, and take a step back to recalibrate my priorities. I have a quote on my keychain that serves as a constant reminder to stay focused on the things that bring me joy and find joy in the every day. On one side it says; “Live the Life You Love” and the other side, “Love the Life you Live.”
My intention for 2012 is to simplify. Life doesn’t have to be so damned complicated. We have control over our schedule and how busy we make it. We run ourselves into the ground signing our kids up for endless activities to create “great experiences” for them, pile on responsibilities until we are drowning in to-dos and endless must haves. What purpose does any of this serve? Are we really creating family experiences that we can be proud of when our kids are grown?
This year:
I intend to be more present with my children and husband.
I intend to make more time for our family and the inspirational people in my life.
I intend to create more space for the things in my life that bring me joy.
I intend to travel more, worry less.
I intend to seek out extraordinary experiences and share them with others.
I intend to stay focused on my goals and chart my own course.
I intend to practice yoga, meditate and rock a beautiful forearm balance.
I intend to use my passion and knowledge of travel to inspire others.
I intend to step out of my comfort zone and visit a new country this year.
I intend to follow my intuition, even if it is not popular.
I intend to do the work it takes to get me there.
What are your intentions this year? How will you live the life you love in 2012?