Monday, December 31, 2012

A New Year, A New Motto



My motto for 2012 was to live in the ‘now’ and to take each day as it came... and I think I definitely did so, spending days and weeks enjoying simple pleasures with the girls once life slowly settled down and fell into a rhythm with Sophie.  I learnt to lower my expectations, to accept untidiness and incomplete to-do lists and to be content with all that surrounded me.  I practised mindfulness and gratitude as often as I could. 

However, looking back at photos from the start of this year, I feel as though I’m looking at shots from years ago.  Our girls look SO different and I find it unbelievable that they’ve both changed so much in what has only been a twelve month period of time.  Being aware of the simple delights the girls bring to our lives in these precious childhood years feels more important now than ever.  

This coming year, I’ve chosen a focus word for 2013, a word to guide my actions, my plans, my daily life and my attitude… NURTURE.  I want to continue to nurture my two girls – Sophie as she develops each and every day into more of a little girl and Grace as she begins her adventures at kindergarten.  I want to nurture my relationship with Paul as well as my relationships with friends and other family members.  However, most importantly, I want to nurture myself.  It’s time for me to eat healthier, to get stronger and fitter, to overhaul my wardrobe and to hopefully get my rheumatoid arthritis under control. I am hoping 2013 will be a year of positive changes, growth and above all, much happiness in our household. 

Wishing you all a joyous start to the New Year too…

21 comments:

  1. What a wonderful goal Amanda - it is so important to ensure we are healthy and fit to ensure strength to perform in our most important roles - best wishes for 2013, I am sure it is going to be a wonderful time!

    Christine xo

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  2. Nurture , love it , may I borrow that one ?
    Happy New Year Amanda
    Karyn x

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    1. I think it would be a good word for you too Karyn xx

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  3. Happy New Year to you Amanda. Here's wishing it's a very good one.
    xx

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  4. A great word and way of life Amanda.
    I'm sorry your arthritis has reared its head causing some problems :( Wishing you a love-filled, happy and memorable 2013 with good health and great times!!!
    I cant wait to follow your journey here on this blog. Thanks for your friendship in 2012!
    xx

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  5. Nurturing yourself is most important, then the rest will take care of itself! Best wishes for the new year Amanda x

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  6. That sounds like such a positive motto for 2013. I think it will bring you and your family lots of happiness. Happy new year my friend. I will send you an email soon! xx

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  7. A happy and health filled New Year to you and your family Amanda! I hope this year is as fulfilling as the last as you nurture and enjoy your family and friends.

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  8. Yes I'm with you on that one Amanda. I definitely need to get fitter and stop making excuses when it comes to exercise (oh but I hate exercise). Wishing you a healthy happy year ahead. x

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  9. Hi Amanda, it sounds like you have a wonderful goal on your mind for this year and I'm sure you'll all benefit from it very much....it is amazing how much children change in such small amount of time isn't it...I keep thinking with only 4 weeks left to go til this little man arrives that my baby girl will be only 4 moths off turning 18 when he is born...my other two will be 20 and 22 later in the year and at times it seems like just last week they were my little ones.....All the best for the new year and lets have some happy blogging adventures...xo

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  10. Happy new year Amanda, I love your new motto, it sounds lovely, and something I've been thinking a bit about myself but hadn't thought of the right word to describe. I hope 2013 is a wonderful year for you x

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  11. A splendid word, Sweetheart. I wish you only the best in making it come true. J x

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  12. Happy New Year my lovely friend I hope you had a lovely night and day celebrating the start of a new year. I think your word is a wonderful one, a powerful one too. May this year be full of all things beautiful and full of nurturing. xxx

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  13. I love your idea of picking a word and building your whole year around it. I think nurture is the perfect choice - it covers so many different areas of life. May you have a very blessed year ahead!

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  14. Is this your photo? And is that a lace cap hydrangea? Oh my...

    ...and as for your motto, I think you're ever so wise. Happy new year, lovely blog friend x

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    1. Hi Claire, yes it is my photo, not taken this year, but the very same hydrangea is somehow flourishing again right now... I'm not sure on what variety of hydrangea it is though... x

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  15. Happy New Year Amanda! Nurture.... even reading the word helps calm me :) I may just try to nurture more here too :) Although I feel my word should be more along the lines of 'Cleaning routine', ha ha!Somehow I have gotten out of being a cleaning routine - I need my organised self back :) Thanks for this post Amanda. Cassie

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    1. Hi Cassie, a cleaning routine is high on the list of priorities here too, I'm just choosing to ignore it and focusing on the 'nurture' goal instead :) As I said, I've learnt to drop my standards over this past year and to see past the mess and chaos :)

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  16. I think you do incredibly well at living in the moment, I've always felt inspired by how you live your life and the mother that you are. Happy New Year! Rachael xx

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  17. It's nice to look back and realise that you did accomplish your 'word' for the year. I'm sure this year's word will be a breeze for you, you are very much a natural nurturer I think! Happy 2013 :)

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  18. Nurture, such a wise and wonderful choice which I love and would like to borrow. I think I might even use it in the class. It is just perfect in every way. Loving all your pics too. Fiona

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