So I woke up to the New Year, in good spirits and good health, and as I had my morning coffee and perused the Twitter news, I came across tragedy.
A post-fireworks stampede had ended the lives of more than 60 people in Ivory Coast. A shooting in Sacramento killed two after a bar fight escalated into the street. And closer to home, a stabbing in Saskatoon. Not the way I wanted my New Years Day to begin, with news so saddening and needless deaths. I felt instantly thankful for waking up in a safe home, surrounded by family.
I closed my eyes for a moment and thought of how the New Year hasn't always brought blessings to people. I know this year will bring changes and growth and opportunities, and I am eagerly anticipating having many special moments with my family and friends, that I will look back on and cherish. I also know that this year will bring challenges and heartache and pitfalls, as every year does.
Were it not for our hardships, our successes would mean little. Were it not for our losses, our blessings would go unappreciated. I have never really been a "resolution" person, have never really made a list of to-do's for the year.
But this year I have made a couple decisions, not resolutions. To hug my kids a little harder, focus more on playtime, do more finger painting and play doh sculptures.
To ignore the crumbs on the floor for a little while and do more with them, instead of around them. To listen to what they're saying and hear what they're really trying to tell me. To listen harder to the important things in my partners life, to make time for him and I on a regular basis, and appreciate and thank him for all the little things he does. To remember that we chose each other, and that there is not a soul on earth as important to me as he is.
To be a little kinder in thought, softer with my words, and louder with my thanks. To make a big deal of all the small accomplishments, to build confidences and invest in healthy relationships. To create happy thoughts and demolish nasty gossip in my social circles. I may not be 100 prer cent successful in everything I do, but I would hope that as with most things, practice makes perfect.
I know full well that I will have to work hard to remember these decisions, and that there will be times when I will fail and times when I will achieve. I would hope that by the end of #2013 I can look back and be proud and happy and thankful.
