New Year, New Goals, New ME...

I saw this list on Facebook and it sums up everything I strive to do daily... If only we were perfect!

Here are 20 things to let go of in order to reach unlimited happiness.

1. Let go of all thoughts that don't make you feel empowered and strong.

2. Let go of feeling guilty for doing what you truly want to do.

3. Let go of the fear of the unknown; take one small step and watch the path reveal itself.

4. Let go of regrets; at one point in your life, that “whatever” was exactly what you wanted.

5. Let go of worrying; worrying is like praying for what you don’t want.

6. Let go of blaming anyone for anything; be accountable for your own life. If you don’t like something, you have two choices, accept it or change it.

7. Let go of thinking you are damaged; you matter, and the world needs you just as you are.

8. Let go of thinking your dreams are not important; always follow your heart.

9. Let go of being the “go-to person” for everyone, all the time; stop blowing yourself off and take care of yourself first … because you matter.

10. Let go of thinking everyone else is happier, more successful or better off than you. You are right where you need to be. Your journey is unfolding perfectly for you.

11. Let go of thinking there's a right and wrong way to do things or to see the world. Enjoy the contrast and celebrate the diversity and richness of life.

12. Let go of cheating on your future with your past. It’s time to move on and tell a new story.

13. Let go of thinking you are not where you should be. You are right where you need to be to get to where you want to go, so start asking yourself where you want to go.

14. Let go of anger toward ex lovers and family. We all deserve happiness and love; just because it is over doesn’t mean the love was wrong.

15. Let go of the need to do more and be more; for today, you've done the best you can, and that's enough.

16. Let go of thinking you have to know how to make it happen; we learn the way on the way.

17. Let go of your money woes — make a plan to pay off debt and focus on your abundance.

18. Let go of trying to save or change people. Everyone has her own path, and the best thing you can do is work on yourself and stop focusing on others.

19. Let go of trying to fit in and be accepted by everyone. Your uniqueness is what makes you outstanding.

20. Let go of self-hate. You are not the shape of your body or the number on the scale. Who you are matters, and the world needs you as you are. Celebrate you!

CHRISTmas!

I have reflected on the year we have just had and I am overwhelmed with emotion.  Kaebrie and Owen have grown so much this year.  We are learning so much about life.  I am one lucky mother.  I have learned how to be positive this year.  Our thoughts guide us to the places we go and the people placed in our lives.  I have been so grateful for being led to many wonderful places to raise our kids.  The people in my life are here for a reason.  It truly takes a village to raise children.  Kaebrie is a spirited child. She has more energy, more creativity, more spunk than anyone I've encountered before.  She entered this earth with eyes wide open and an anxious body. I knew she'd teach me a lot.  And she has! I've learned how to be more patient and more forgiving than I ever thought I would be able to be. She teaches me true compassion and how to serve.  I'd be lying though, if I didn't admit I wish some times I didn't need to learn those lessons. It's hard work. It ta long hours and lots of energy I don't always feel I have. And I'm not always so willing to learn. And I don't always learn with grace. There are plenty of days when I need to ask her forgiveness and compassion. Days when I snap at her. Days when I forget that she's still little and expect more of her than she's ready to learn or able to do. Days when I forget that she brings gifts as well as challenges.  I'm so thankful for the wise mothers I've encountered over the years through therapy and among the many neighbors and examples placed before us. Women who trust. Women who know their babies and their children. Women who are willing to learn from their children as well as teach their children. Women of faith - both in a higher power, their children, and themselves. These mentors have supported me and encouraged me. Many of them before I even knew I'd need that support.  You don't know how your examples teach others. You have no idea what gifts you have to share with others. Your gifts of patience, love, compassion, charity, kindness, trust, and faith - all these have blessed my life abundantly.  Merry Christmas to you all and a heartfelt thanks to each of you and your families for touching our lives!