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last month... one week before christmas to be exact, i got to chase the sunlight with a beautiful couple eloping in tahoe.
i know... you're looking at these and thinking i got the post title wrong... that this is a summer wedding and p.s. where the heck is the snow?! well much to tahoe's dismay, there was no snow. only stunning warm sunshine and simple love! pretty awesome. i'm so thankful that they chose to share their day with me... best.job.ever.
i love ali's tradition of choosing a word in january that will be the focus for the year... somewhat of a resolution i guess, but broader. it's a word that gives me direction and reminds me what i want for myself.
2008: say.
using my words to make a difference. challenging myself to communicate effectively. having tough conversations. making the time to tell the most important people in my life just exactly why they are a force in my world!
2009: love.
this word can take so many forms, but my biggest focus was learning to love myself... quirks and all.
2010: reconnect.
reconnecting with old friends... with myself as a mother and as a person. so many opportunities presented themselves that year to help me to live that word.
2011: invest.
my saving grace through all of the messy transition in my life right now. one simple word i chose at the beginning of last year (even before any of the mess started) was meant to be... i invested in my children, my friends and above all, myself. i pushed myself to face my fears and my truth. and because of all that i'm still standing and and taking the steps i need to create a life where i thrive.
which brings us to 2012... a year of optimism, hope, dangerously dreaming with our eyes wide open!
my word is:
all of the other years, i have chosen my word. this year was different. the word kept appearing in my life in quotes, books... then one of my loving clients sent me this:
"My favorite...
When you come to the edge of all you have known, when you look out and see nothing but darkness, FAITH is knowing that one of two things will happen... there will be something to step on, or you will have wings to fly.
You have wings..."
fly. it seems impossible. i do not know how to get from here to there. yet. but, i have faith in making my dreams my reality.
fly. clear perspective. for me this saying yes to life... no matter how hard or terrifying.
fly. fresh air. clear my head and live a simple life.
fly. free spirit. letting go... of what was or what should be. no expectations. accepting what is and being open to possibility.
fly. wanderlust. my heart is open to travel, adventure and exploration. growth.
fly. "the shell must break before the bird can fly..." (-tennyson) my shell has never been more broken and i'm excited to be.
i'm looking forward to the year ahead... not because i expect it to be any easier. there is A LOT of work ahead, but for the first time in a long time it's my own. i'm the only one that can hold me back... it's terrifying and exhilarating, but i'm going to fly!
here are a few more inspiring reads on one little word: ali: up, elise: choose and great resolutions: ashley ann - awesome! natalie - do what you know and autumn - with some project life love! oh and one 2011 in review from a friend that kicked some serious butt... 87lbs and counting - so inspiring raimi!!!
cheers to 2012! what is your one little word?
p.s. i chose this necklace earlier in the week and then saw this post yesterday... it makes me want to do the same to my locket!
laughing, charming, loving, learning, growing...
such a happy little love... so lucky to have you.
just a few shots from our beach walk this evening... driftwood warriors chasing the light.
there are moments when i see what a little lady she is growing up to be and i find myself out of breath trying to keep up...
love her so.
