So, I am back, and ready to catchup on Reverb.com. I was busy with Christmas, guests, and a birthday for a 6-year-old. And doing this every day feels like a little much, too much review. So, short answers today, but a sense of understanding and completion, too, I hope.
December 23 – New Name. Let’s meet again, for the first time. If you could introduce yourself to strangers by another name for just one day, what would it be and why? (Author: Becca Wilcott)
Grace, because it embodies how I would like to be. I would like to unfold with stillness, meeting moments with grace. Sometimes I can do this, and sometimes I cannot do this. Case in point:This morning, Annie said it would be a special day if I didn’t yell at all day long. Yup, lacking much perfection lately. New day today, though, and working on having a special day.
December 24 Prompt – Everything’s OK. What was the best moment that could serve as proof that everything is going to be alright? And how will you incorporate that discovery into the year ahead?
Every time I am really in the moment with my kids I can feel our perfection, and how we don’t have to be perfect all the time to be loved.
December 25 – Photo – a present to yourself.
Sift through all the photos of you from the past year. Choose one that best captures you; either who you are, or who you strive to be. Find the shot of you that is worth a thousand words. Share the image, who shot it, where, and what it best reveals about you.
(Author: Tracey Clark)
Photograph of myself at book signing:
Chris took this photo. It embodies my best self and the purest joy possible. I am among friends celebrating the completion of a lifelong dream. Enough said.
December 26 – Soul Food. What did you eat this year that you will never forget? What went into your mouth & touched your soul? (Author: Elise Marie Collins)
Seafood-catch meals with Chris and friends. Chris is happiest eating fish and crabs he catches himself, sharing the food with friends and family. I loved seeing him so happy and sharing in his pleasure.
December 27 – Ordinary Joy. Our most profound joy is often experienced during ordinary moments. What was one of your most joyful ordinary moments this year? (Author: Brené Brown)
Christmas morning my parents, Chris and I decided to skip mass. Instead, we sang Joy to the World. Lovely. In fact, my parents and I burst into song a few times while they were here, especially while watching The Sound of Music. Delightful, perfect, and sweet.
December 28 – Achieve
What’s the thing you most want to achieve next year? How do you imagine you’ll feel when you get it? Free? Happy? Complete? Blissful? Write that feeling down. Then, brainstorm 10 things you can do, or 10 new thoughts you can think, in order to experience that feeling today.
I want to run, meditate or practice yoga every day, even if it is only for 10 minutes. I don’t need to brainstorm 10 things, I just need to practice one of these exercises after I finish my writing. Attainable, all each of these actions helps me process emotions and feel calmer. Sometimes these practices bring bliss. Lucky me.
December 29 – Defining Moment. Describe a defining moment or series of events that has affected your life this year. (Author: Kathryn Fitzmaurice)
Celebrating my 40th birthday and hosting a book signing celebration were both defining moments. I planned each one, creating the experience I wanted, and pushing through fear to get to joy. Going through the process of deciding exactly how I wanted events to be celebrated was great, and really trying to enjoy each moment helped my bliss grow.
December 30 – Gift Prompt: Gift. This month, gifts and gift-giving can seem inescapable. What’s the most memorable gift, tangible or emotional, you received this year?
A box of 36 Recess Peanut Butter Cups. My brother Mike sent this gift to me, and it meant so much to me. He picked out something I totally love and gave it with a spirit of giving. I am still savoring these treats and the love that came with them.