This year I plan to show up.
I am not a strong believer in New Year's resolutions. No, I don't think we should have to wait for a new annum to roll around in order to feel inspired to improve our lives in any way (more on my reasons and theory here).
However, it became clear to me as 2012 was winding down, that I had some cleaning up to do. Although the past year has been an exciting one; one filled with great experiences and stellar successes, both personal and professional, there was one area in my life that I struggled.
As I worked full-time, launched my small culinary business, MAP Wellness, enrolled in a 200-hour yoga teacher training program among other courses and classes, plus attempted to write, blog, and recipe develop as much as humanly possible, my relationships suffered. I knew it as it was happening though, my oft overflowing schedule and flooded social calendar proof that something had to give.
And as December wound down, I was forced to face the facts. I had rescheduled and cancelled countless dinner dates, missed many lectures, workshops and classes I'd signed up for, and craved a night of solitude more than anything else in the world. I was over-booked. And it took a long-time friend -- one whom I have been in close relationship with for as long as I have lived in Toronto -- it took her calling me out on my neglect to finally help me see the light. I was living in my own little bubble of busy, and she popped it when I needed it most. Hearing the words "you are slowly burning bridges" from another source, although not welcome at the time, acted as another sign to slow down.
I recently read an article that resonated, as the author had just adopted the new life mantra of "I have no time to rush." I am going to borrow from that idea, and this year, I plan to plan a lot. I have big ideas, grand visions, and a lot of myself to give. So I will do that. And I will plan to be present for all of it. And I will show up. Every time, for everyone. For my life, my friends, my family, and for myself. I will be there no fail, and I will live every second of every moment, no rushing.
2013 is going to be the year that I truly show up for. I promise me that. And I promise you that too. Why don't we all make that deal with ourselves when the clock strikes midnight on Monday night?
