Along with several other on-going projects (including work on my next book on special needs), this year’s increasingly diverse commitments will again include writing monthly columns for Capital Area Women’s Lifestyle Magazine. You can find my 2008 columns addressing special needs by clicking on the above link.
As I write these words, the world outside my office window is draped in sparkling, pristine snow— it’s pure and untouched, waiting for the first imprint to forever change it’s look, texture and scope. This magnificent seasonal event, courtesy of Mother Nature, makes us again believe in the world’s beauty and infinite possibilities. At moments like these, all things are fresh and new. Our fragile world appears at peace.
We can give ourselves permission to wipe human landscapes clean and start fresh, too. The New Year offers rare opportunities to examine our lives more closely, discard what’s not working, and realize bigger dreams. January is our gentle life snowstorm, filled with shiny new possibilities. Forget about New Year’s resolutions, words that set us up for failure. I prefer the words, ‘eagerly seeking new adventures.’ It sounds enticing and fun— even a bit naughty.
Recently, I had breakfast with a terrific mom, who like many of us, is juggling too many balls and in danger of dropping them all. Intent on making other’s dreams come true, she’s losing site of her own. She’s exhausted from the never-ending demands of special needs parenting. Like many women, she’s been trying to do it all—and discovered she’s only human.
Perhaps the greatest gift we offer others in 2009 is to slow down the frantic pace of our lives. Take time again to dream big, to grieve, to laugh and cry and volunteer, and to become better examples for our children. Our actions tell kids more than tough words ever will. We should put our own oxygen masks on first.
My 2009 fantasy (key word) list includes: riding the Maui Zipline, savoring Italy and India (if only through PBS’s new series), taking my photography to a new level, penning my next book, mentoring a child, lots of yoga and deep breathing, more play time with my daughter, husband and grandoggies, and indulging in yummy new fudge flavors, after biking more often on that magical island called Mackinac.
Don’t miss the incredible opportunities. ####