A brand new start

In some ways I guess we're very lucky. We get a brand new start every 365 days.

I must admit, the past three months have passed by in a blur. Loads of it was routine mixed with craziness, being sick, looking after sick children, being busy, being occupied with planning parties and playdates and just trying to catch up with life for myself. I haven't been able to scrapbook as much as I wanted not only because of my new 'lack-of-printer' situation, but also the lack of time. If there's one word I can use to describe how I've felt during these weeks that have gone by I'd say 'exhausted'.

Which is not the word of my year 2011. For the record, my 2011 word was 'Embrace'. So embrace I did. I pulled through, cope as best as I could. Picked out the priorities I had to choose and unchoose to commit to, and breathe. Just simply breathe. Accepted, adapted, struggled, challenged, and tried my best. Embraced.

And 2012 is here and it is a brand new start.

For 2012 I am grateful. Not the word of my year 2012. But grateful I am all the same.

I am GRATEFUL for my children and my husband. They are precious to me and I know here is where we belong. Here is where we are safe.

I am GRATEFUL for my little sister. She is in many ways my inspiration. She is generous, kind and a lovely person inside and out. It's been so wonderful that she has been able to spend the last month of 2011 with us here in Calgary.

I am GRATEFUL for the comforts of life. The things that I may take for granted on a daily basis but do enjoy and revel in whenever I can. A good meal, a fun night watching a movie, going shopping. Simple things but nevertheless so important to us.

I am GRATEFUL that we have settled in to our new home. From Lara's school to Chris' career. We set out at the start of this year to make a big transition for our family and have now settled in. A lot of paperwork and things to figure out.

This year, I will be another 30-something number. And for all the things I am grateful for, I am humbled.

The challenges of the previous year have been overcome (mostly) and I feel stronger, more able, more capable and resolved.

I have a few things that I want to achieve in 2012, and I will share them with you here but first I wanted to share my new word for 2012..

HAPPY

I worry a lot. Ask anyone. So this year, I want to simply let go and be happy. And I'm looking forward to it. Smiling more. Enjoying more. And doing things to make me happy.

It is a good word for me. And I hope you have a good word for yourself all picked out too.

Happy 2012 dear friends! :)