One word

I am a little sad to see 2013 go.  I had a great year!  I graduated law school thus fulfilling a lifelong dream, and I passed the California State Bar exam.  I do not think 2014 can top that!  However, I am excited to see what the new year brings.  Wait, it already brought me the cutest baby girl ever.  My niece, Julianna Aurelia, was born January 2nd.  Isn't she the cutest?  I know she looks sad here, but I am in love with this picture!  It is impossible to look at and not say, "awwww!"     

Don't you just want to hug her?  

 

I've been reading many blogs lately, and noticed people are choosing one word for the new year.  The idea is that you choose one word to guide you throughout the year.  At first I thought this was impossible.  How can one word fit into all aspects of your life?  After much thought, I am jumping in with both feet.  I am choosing one word instead of making resolutions this year. This one word will be my guide in all areas of my life.  I expected it to be difficult to find a word that would resonate with me, but I was wrong.  I knew it right away!

Present

Present. That is my one word for the year!  No, not a Christmas present or a birthday present.  Present.  Available.  Aware.  Right now.  Not stuck behind a computer screen or a phone.  Not running to get one more load of laundry done instead of playing PIG with my son.  Not trying to check Facebook one more time instead of having a conversation with my teen daughter.  How much have I missed because of my computer screen?  How much have I missed because I needed to run one more errand, or clean one more room?  Even when I am physically present, where is my mind racing off too?  Sure I attend mass, but how often does my mind wander? What should I make for dinner?  I cannot believe she wore that to church?  I exercise, but how many times have I made a phone call during a walk?  Cut my workout in half because of the laundry piling up?  Multi-tasking is a curse!  I cannot tell you how many times my mother has said to me, "what else are you doing right now?"  

I am going to be present!  I do not want to look back and realize I missed out on something special because of an electronic device.  I don't want to look back and realize I was not really present during my life.  This is it.  We only have one shot. 

 I am going to ensure that I am present during my interactions with my friends and family.  I am going to make sure that I am present for my husband and children.  I am going to be present spiritually when I attend mass and when I pray.  I am going to be healthy and exercise presently!  (I can tweak it a bit..it is MY word)  I am not going to put off exercising or making healthy choices because of inconvenience or other excuses.  Hopefully, being present will make 2014 as great as 2013!!  Oh one more, I am going to be PRESENT in Chicago in March to meet my new niece....and I cannot wait!