2014: A fresh new start

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Happy new year to all!  It’s hard to believe 2013 is already behind us. As I look towards 2014, I like to take time and reflect on the past year: my experiences, accomplishments, things I’d like to do better, etc.  Each new year, I try to make a list of simple goals or to-do’s I’d like to focus on in different areas of my life. I don’t like to call them resolutions, as I feel I’m always in a quest to better myself, and the term itself just doesn’t seem to stick for me, it’s too broad and lacks specificity. Instead, I prefer to make a list of the little things – specific things – I will do to improve on. This makes things more measurable and attainable, and I get a greater sense of fulfillment from being able to check off the tasks on my list.

2013 was quite a different year for me. I feel like it’s been a bit of a blur actually for the first half.  We started the year with my mother being in surgery to remove her cancer. She had ovarian cancer and was undergoing surgery in January, and the first 6-7 months of the year were tough, keeping a close eye on my mother’s health and taking care of her as much as I could through her chemo treatments. It was emotionally charged, but luckily I’m happy to report that she is doing much better now. It’s amazing what a difference a year can make.  I was also on maternity leave and had extended my absence in order to spend more time with my mom, and kids, and went back to work in August when my youngest daughter was 18 mths. That alone was a big change as well. On that front, I was able to ease back into work fairly well. We also took a family vacation on a cruise to the Caribbean in early December, which was nice and relaxing. On the home front, we did our backyard and updated our powder room. I also started this blog. Although I haven’t been able to dedicate as much time to it as I would have hoped, I’m still pleased that I finally started writing. All in all, I had a tough beginning, but ended the year on a good note, with everyone healthy and well, which is what matters the most. This year taught me more than ever before that there’s no time to waste, and I need to focus on things that matter most to me: my family and what brings me joy. My mom’s health scare really put everything in greater perspective for me. I was ready to drop everything to do anything I needed to support my loved ones. I am glad that I had the opportunity to take a longer leave of absence from work to be with my mom and spend more time raising my youngest daughter, and I truly appreciated every little in-between moments. It’s not all about the accomplishments, and the big milestones, it’s the little moments, and the daily things that made a big difference for me, the fact that I was wholly present for them if you know what I mean.  I’ve always been one to really appreciate these simple moments and be grateful for each day I have.

In 2014, I feel an even greater need to simplify my life and really focus on what’s truly important to me, and what matters to me and my family, even it might mean making some uncomfortable changes. Overall, I want to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, unhurriedly and celebrate the small milestones as well as the big ones. I want to slow down, invest in my personal growth and development by ensuring I’m also a priority and not last on the list. I want to stress less at work, and remember to focus on the big picture, and find ways to be professionally fulfilled without feeling like I’m sacrificing prime time with my family.  Instead of my typical to do-list each new year, this 2014, my husband and I will truly be assessing how we want to live our life,  and making a roadmap on what we need to do to get there. It’s a bit scary to think of the many changes, but I know that this is right step towards achieving our true dreams and goals. We just need to remind ourselves that everyone’s journey and milestones are different. We need to focus on what is best for us and not what others would expect of us. Taking risks when things are comfortable is difficult, but I know that the rewards will be worth it.

Whatever your aspirations for 2014, I wish each one of you a happy new year, blessed with good health, happiness, success and fulfillment!