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A Year in One Word

I was recently introduced to a new perspective on New Year's resolutions. Pick one word. Only one and focus on that word for the year. As a person who loves words and what they can do I love this idea.

One chilly (well San Diego chilly) Tuesday morning as I rounded the corner my feet pounding the pavement and my fingers gripping the handle of the stroller my word popped into my head with such clarity. There is something about running where my mind can finally clear - the noise stops- and I seem to think like I used to think before my descent into the rabbit hole circa 2012.

My word is "see".

In 2016 I plan to "see." What this means to me is to see the world around me. To really see people.  To really see nature. I want to see the person talking to me and to genuinely be there and see them as the most important person to me in that moment.

I want to see outside of myself. To not be focused on what needs to be done but to do in a state of mind where I am aware. Aware of opportunities which present themselves. Aware of adventures lurking around the corner. Aware of a stranger or a friend who might need me to stop and notice. Aware of how my children are really feeling and doing as opposed to if they are really just meeting my expectations. Aware of what my husband needs.

I love to be on time. Being early is even better. After having kids I have had to calm down just a smidgen and realize I am not always going to be on time and that is okay. I will try my best because it seriously is something so important to me - but with my word this year to "see" I will plan ahead as best I can but if life happens I will take a breath and see what is really important.

I want to see nature. I want to go outside everyday just to notice the beauty in everything. To see the old strong trees which line my neighborhood street. To see the changing sky throughout the day. To see the statuesque pine in my front yard.

I want to begin each day as an adventure - my eyes and perspective open to who I may interact with wherever we may be. Yes we will still go where our everyday life and schedules take us, but with that brings an exponential amount of people and relationships. What if I could take a minute and try to really see everyday people? Like noticing the mail man or the trash truck driver or even take a minute to talk with another parent at preschool drop off?

I think a year of focusing on really "seeing" will help me to diminish my busy state of mind. It will help me step out a self centered achievement way of thinking and teach me to breath and go through each day and each moment in a way where I can feel whatever it may bring and notice what ever lesson I may learn from the most unexpected person and in the most unexpected moment.

Here's to seeing the beauty, pain, and adventure in everything 2016 brings.

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