My Mindful 2009

Day 17 of Gwen Bell’s Best of 2009 Blog Challenge:“Word or phrase. A word that encapsulates your year. “2009 was _____.”

…mindful. In lots of ways.

I started listening to my person and taking care of myself by exercising regularly, quitting coffee, meditating, and trusting in the universe more.

I started being more mindful about what I was eating; not rushing so I could get to the next thing, but really tasting and enjoying.

I became a more mindful mother by being more present with Laurel after school, allowing myself to enjoy the silliness and fun that is playing with a 5-year-old. Transitioning to her kindergarten schedule has been stressful for me because my brain definitely tends to still be in work mode — and the emails continued to fly in — after pick up. I’m not perfectly mindful every day, but I’m working on it. And the days where I have been 100% mindful and present have been such a blessing.

I became a more mindful wife, again, foregoing work at times (clearly, my major challenge) in order to enjoy time together; remembering what a gift I have in a partner.

I became more mindful in my relationships. This has meant stirring the pot at times and having some hard conversations. But I want to be present and mindful in my relationships above all else.