Writing a New Chapter in 2013

There is something so hope-filled and exciting about beginning a new year, isn't there?  I am glad for calendars, for this way of encapsulating certain seasons in our lives, and the chance we have to start a new section or theme.  I know every single day is new, and that we make choices moment by moment.  But  I still love the time of reflection I take as a year ends and a new one starts.  I like evaluating what has transpired and setting my intentions for the 12 months ahead.  I am not a resolutions person necessarily, but I do believe in verbalizing what I want, what I intend for my life-- on a regular basis.  Times of transition are a great opportunity for this, and so is the start of the new year.

Do you believe that there are signs or symbols for the rest of the year on New Year's Day?  I think I'm just slightly superstitious in this way.  In the Philippines, people often say that you must choose what you do carefully on the start of the New Year, since that is what you will do all year.  For me, it's not so much that I believe I can be cursed by the wrong thing, but choosing what I do is just another way that I set my intention.

Yesterday, my family had a gorgeous day, one that I hope we will see echoes of throughout the year.  First, we went to a greyhound rescue to meet some beautiful creatures in need of love and a home.  I don't know for sure if we met our future pet or not, but we spent time with three sweet dogs.

Here are Dez and Sam-- such sweeties!  After so much happiness and stability, we feel we're overflowing with love and ready to add another family member.  It's a huge decision, however, so we are not rushing it.


After spending time with the dogs, we headed to the River Orwell, to get a cider and to enjoy the nicest weather we've had in weeks.   There is a pub overlooking the river, called The Butt & Oyster.  Don't laugh.

It was really cozy, and was full of people.  Nearly everyone was dressed like they'd walked out of a story book, wearing tweed, wellies and fair-isle sweaters and wind-blown hair. And there was an unexpected gift waiting there for us-- the food was good, and reasonably priced!  Just what we needed.  You'll know how big this is, if you have read my post on eating in England.  After a warming bite to eat, we took a walk around the shipyard and soaked up as much sunshine as we could.

Anyway, let's chat about this years intentions while we look at some pictures...  While we were at the pub, we had a family meeting and we each shared a hope we have for the direction our family will take this year.  Jeff would really like for us to volunteer regularly in our community.  Amelia would like for us to research our travel destinations more before we go to them, so we understand more about the place while we're there.  My intention is to have people over for dinner a lot more this year.  I'd like to try to have company at least once a month.

 We also each shared about our individual hopes and intentions.  Jeff's and Amelia's are not for me to share, but I am happy to tell you what I would like for the year ahead.  I think it's important to verbalize these things. 

First of all, I would like to find a physical skill to work on this year.  I have a few ideas, but I am really not sure yet.  One is archery, another is to find a specific style of dance to learn and get good at,  and I have always wanted to do martial arts, so there's that... Or it could be just being very disciplined and regular in my yoga practice... I love pretty much all things active, yet am constantly disappointed that I am not doing much, and not getting better at anything physical.  So I am looking forward to growing in that regard this year.

I have two things that kind of fall into the same category: Education.  This is the year that I will finally finish my degree in Sociology, and that is a really big deal.  The other thing is that I have fallen out of my passion of practicing bodywork, and I must find ways to get back into that.  I already have a few people signed up for craniosacral sessions with me in the coming weeks, and I have set a goal to attend at least one advanced training course this year.

And this last one has something to do with you! I have been writing this blog for over two years now, and have increasingly been putting more and more time and energy into it.  This has been great, and I have loved it.  But I have come to this crossroads, where I need to decide whether I need to scale back my energy output, or if I need to take it more seriously.  So I am setting my intention this year to make my blog better, and to bring more value to you and allow it to actually be a source of income for our family.  This is daunting and exciting at the same time.  I am looking forward to collaborating more with others, growing the community we have here, and looking for ways to work more effectively.  I would love to hear your feedback on what you would like to see more of here!

 So, those are my intentions and hopes for 2013.  Thank you for listening!  I have one last thought I wanted to share with you, as you think about the chapter ahead.

What are your hopes, goals, or intentions for 2013?

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