In 2012, I "dared" myself to take control of my life... to be proactive instead of living on autopilot, to start making conscious decisions about where I wanted my life to go and to then implement those decisions into positive actions that would improve the quality of my life.

Although I didn't accomplish everything I would have liked in 2012, I did meet Lyle and change jobs.  The impact of these two changes have made an amazing difference in my life!

I plan to continue directing my life in the upcoming year, but what I plan to really focus on in 2013 is being mindful.  Often times (most times, if I'm really being honest here), I find myself being so busy that I don't take time to enjoy the moment- to live in the here and now.  Instead of focusing on what is happening right now, I find myself thinking about a million other things, making mental lists, planning out the next moment and never fully giving myself over to the one at hand.

So this year, when I'm playing with JD, I want to concentrate just on that- every smile, every interaction, every new thing he learns or does.  When I'm talking with someone, I want to pay attention, ask questions and convey to that person that he or she is really important to me and worth focusing on.  When I'm cooking, I want to focus on the process- the sights and smells and tastes.  When I'm working, I want to give myself fully to my patients, paying close attention to their needs.  When I'm outside, I want to look around and appreciate the gifts that God has given me in nature- I want to see the beauty of the trees, smell the sweetness of the flowers, hear the buzzing of the bee, take pleasure in the flight of the butterfly. 

In 2013, I want to slow down and be mindful.