we all have our issues....

As I've been reading blog posts of bloggers I follow, or blogs I peruse from time to time, I'm struck by the number of people who have all written about being glad to see the end of 2013.  When you notice it on all social media platforms, it becomes a disturbing trend.  What was with 2013?  So many people all over the continent, all experiencing some degree of angst/despair/misfortune over the past year.  I wonder why.  I wonder why we only find out at the end of the old year/beginning of the new year?  

I know the answer--because we all keep our issues to ourselves.  Some things we can't hide, like the death of a family member or a significant illness.  But those aren't the only things that add up to feelings of relief to see the passing of a year.  There are many hidden causes for those feelings.  Unseen health issues, mental health issues, work stress, family stress, unseen health issues of family and friends, financial woes, trauma of any description, death of someone we love...the list is really endless.

So as a part of my balanced year, I am wishing for good health for myself, family and friends.  No more financial issues, health problems, grief, unmanageable work stress, relationship problems.  I wish everyone peace and well-being.  I wish for people to feel supported through everything they are experiencing, and remind myself to remain aware that what may seem a trifling to outsiders, may just be the proverbial straw on the camel's back for someone else.  

Before anyone thinks I've lost my mind and turned into Pollyanna, I want to say that I know that life issues are unavoidable.  Most of all my greatest wish is for people to have the resilience and fortitude to withstand any of the crap life throws in the path for them.  Because life will.  Please keep in mind (self...I'm talking to you....) that it's not some karmic trick designed to make you miserable.  It's life.  

I'm trying really hard to give myself and others the gift of compassion and empathy.  And to not be so wrapped up in my own stuff that I'm blind to the troubles of others.  If we could all just get a little better at that, we would all be able to get over those hurdles (self...this one is for you again...).

If you are one of those that had a crappy 2013, I'm cheering you on for a fantastic 2014.  If you had a great 2013, I'm still cheering you on.  Life is too short and too precious to not enjoy it....at least most of the time (self.....are you listening?).

I'm taking the weekend to wallow before going back to work on Monday.  My head is NOT back in the game yet, and it's not going to be before Monday morning.  Because that's one of the gifts I am giving myself in 2014.  Permission to really rest my brain.  To take down time and thoroughly enjoy it, so that I'm able to be in the game at my best.  I'm working on it.  It will continue to be  a work in progress.  (Did you pay attention to that, self?)

Happy weekend.  And happy 2014.

Looking forward

Another Christmas has come and gone.  Filled with joy and excitement, love and giving.  I love the traditions that my family has, and the creation of new ones.  Like the questionable Christmas sweater that I received from my sister-in-law...we'll see who gets it next year.  Whenever there's a joke gift involved, I seem to be in some way connected, either as the giver or receiver.  

The days between Christmas and New Year's always prompts me to look inwards.  Did I accomplish my goals of the past year?  What intentions will I set for the year to come?  As always I don't feel that I've accomplished the resolutions for the past year.  I never feel that I do.  So I am going to just set one intention for 2014.  Balance.  I talk about it a lot, but never achieve it.  I can't expect to feel well and whole if I don't find balance though.  And with every passing year, I feel more need to be balanced.  Work and play.  There needs to be a balance.  I find myself perpetually feeling like I'm on a never ending treadmill that is just going way too fast.  That harried feeling isn't healthy.  For anyone.  So I'm looking to achieve balance.

Balance means incorporating yoga, exercise, as well an outlet for my creative side.  I'm thinking about finding some art classes, or cardmaking, or something like that.  I love to knit and crochet, but my shoulder and wrist don't like it (ouch!).  I need to find something to work on that will allow me to empty my mind of the other things.  I also need to spend time in nature.  Not a fan of winter, but I need to find something to do that will allow me to get outside and drink it in.  I function better when I spend time enjoying the glory of nature.  

As I write this, I feel like I'm just rewriting a previous post or ten.  Definitely a sign that I'm not doing what my soul craves.  Listening to my soul would be a good start....

Whatever your intention or resolution for 2014, I wish you a happy and prosperous year.  Prosperity in the things beyond material prosperity.  For those are what are what is really important.