When a year begins, we are always so hopeful. It always begins on a hangover of the Christmas and New Year celebrations and the expectations for the upcoming year are set. But as always, within a week of January we are let down when it is a struggle to get back to the morning routine. Waking up early, getting the kids off to school, doing the mundane chores. So it is best to begin each day being thankful for all that 2016 brought with it.
Time with my Kids
Last year my son started kindergarten and daughter preschool. Since then it’s been withdrawal symptoms out here. I have this innate sense of missing out on a lot of my son’s day. The year flew by and before I knew it they were using words and concepts I didn’t have to teach them. They pick up so much from around them, becoming their own person too soon. They have stopped being little. The time before he sleeps is the only time when we have us time to snuggle, read and just talk. The holidays gave us wonderful chance to spend a lot of time together and I am so thankful for that. On the plus side, he himself loves being home so much now. On the down side, he refuses to go shopping with me. Hmph!
I didn’t appreciate it enough with my son. But now I treasure catching up on all outside chores with my daughter. She often now says, “Let’s go market. ” Daily chores, writing and being there for her brother has me feeling I may be short changing her on exclusive time. So the days when we can, I make it a priority to spend as much time with her as I can doing something fun just us girls.
Reconnecting with my Husband
It is hard to finish a conversation with two children vying for attention. But the few days when we could manage to go out and spend time sharing new experiences and a few meals together has been amazing. Consciously spending time together is a great way to strengthen our roots. To why we began. His undying support as I made time for myself and encouragement for my words is always a source of strength.
Celebrations
Every single holiday/festival is celebrated with great aplomb. And I am so very grateful everyone around me put up with my craziness. I only hope to create traditions within my little family far from home that the children may reminisce about someday. It is hard when festivals come around and we do not really have the very people we most would enjoy celebrating with. But we are blessed with friends who help us be happier and miss our own a little less.
Vacations
We went to Disney, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon and New York. The mini vacations we took were without a doubt magical. I am not ashamed to say I truly dreaded going on all these trips wondering how my children would fare in said locations on long flights, drives and in hotels. But I am happy to report it all went wonderfully and we collected memories that will surely last us a life time. I learned the escapades are not just about the travel from one point to another but the adjustments made to accommodate it and the impressions created. During the other long weekends/holidays of 2016, we enjoyed time at home lazying and enjoying time together (Board Games anyone?) and that was a fun time as well.
Friends
With not much family to fall back on, I am always, always and I cannot say this enough Always so very grateful for the wonderful people I come across in my life. The ones you I know I can always depend on and the ones who make me smile with a genuine text. The ones who are such sports and wonderful neighbors. It is important to be around people who do not mind you being you, appreciate it even. This year I met a Lot of amazing people who soon became friends. It is wonderful when you meet different people who all know how to build each other up and cheer us on our respective journeys. If you are reading this my sweet, darling friends, you making me a part of your life means the world to me!
Communication
Last year, I kept all lines of communication open. And I am so happy that all my friends did the same. I try my best to make it a point of being clear on my intentions and am blessed to be surrounded by people who always the first to agree to disagree. Genuine conversation with an open mind are one of the ways I know myself and better myself. I am glad for the many avenues we have now to keep in touch with those far away who I will always love and rely on when I need to vent and be understood.
Working with/for Children
From choreographing dances with children to organizing fun events for them gave me a better appreciation of what the next generation has to offer. I used to think I was not a very kid friendly person. I have now realized I truly enjoy being around kids and doing whatever I can to ensure they learn about art and life. When children go on adventures, they learn and with them so do we.
Writing
I am most thankful of course for all those people who encouraged me on this front. Dedicating myself to my passions and interests really turned my downward spiral around. From my best friend who gave me my first diary to the encouragement of my infrequent but heartfelt writing to the wonderful new friends/ readers who take the time to appreciate me in any way that they can. Going to become a full time blogger and being featured and accepted as contributor into major publications was definitely a major high point of the year. Having people give me true feedback and share my stories with the world has been a real eye opener. From writing sporadically to writing fearlessly I have discovered my true nature as a writer.
I am truly thankful for being able to get back to being who I was meant to be. I became friends with myself once again. Putting myself out there again and again, facing rejection that many times and then finally achieving whatever little I could in fields that I truly love has been a blessing in becoming a better me.
Hello 2017
My optimism for 2017 stems from the fact that the loneliness of 2016 transformed into a will of it’s own. This year I vow to take it all a step up. My word for the coming year is “Fearless” . What is your word?
There are many avenues in writing/blogging that I fear to venture into. There are many personal goals I keep failing at. I am hoping to conquer some if not all of my fears. I intend to plan better, live better and love unconditionally those who care. I hope to put out raw content that people can relate to. Helping even a few out there in reaching their personal bests or goals will make my journey all the more meaningful in turn.
My promise to you, if you are reading this is to be honest in every thing write and bring to you true story telling. To join you on your journey through 2017 as long as you will have me. My promise to you is to be here, if you need me.
