Touchstones

One of the blogs I read for fun is Design Mom. She writes on where design and motherhood intersect. This got me wondering about my posts. It seems to me that I get most inspired when I write where motherhood and spirituality intersect.

To keep my cup full, I invite three friends over each day. They are not real friends, but virtual friends who remind me to stay connected to the parts of me that are most important. Their good advice keeps me balanced and calm and they have become my touchstones.

A Note from the Universe arrives in my inbox with a message on how to better connect with myself.

Just Add Light and Stir inspires me to be a better mother to my children.

Daily Marriage Moats connects me to my love for Graham and his love for me.

I smile every time I receive one. Each email is a gift that reminds me to live in the present moment and helps my spirit grow.

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p.s. Gisele's surgery went well and she was fantastic.

Practice

We have now officially cancelled 4 surgeries. We've been ready and willing, but Gisele has been unwell before three of the surgeries. One was cancelled because I was still recovering from strep throat and a torn chest muscle. I wanted to be strong enough to carry her.

Now we're in June and it feels like we've already been through 4 surgeries. I wouldn't have thought that was a good thing, but it feels like I've made a breakthrough. The surgery is starting to feel light and breezy, not scary like before. We talked to Gisele's surgeon, who is a lovely woman, and she has now given Gisele multiple surgery dates in July, one in August and several in September. She'll be well on one of those days and then we'll have the surgery and all will be well.

In the meantime, I will continue to practice mindfulness, calmness and serenity. Gisele will continue to be her usual self - practicing joy, happiness and laughter.

2011

My intentions for 2011 are to focus on Joy and to my connections to the people I love. I've been on quite the journey with this weblog. Just a handful of posts that act as touchstones to what I've been feeling and what I have learned. This journey has brought me to a place where I feel restful most days and even most moments. When I consider how I began from such a place of fear, it is heartening to realize how courageous I'm becoming. What I know is I want more of this. More mindfulness, gentleness, generosity, courageousness, compassion, connection and wholeheartedness.

Last week I saw this amazing TED Talk by Brene Brown that talked about wholeheartedness. She tells us that the word courage originated from the latin word 'cour' meaning heart. The original definition for courage is to tell the story of who you are with your whole heart. For me, this is what this space has always been all about.

Her talk is well worth watching. She talks about wholehearted people and the qualities that they share - the courage to be imperfect, compassion to be kind to themselves and others, the ability to connect to others and the willingness to embrace vulnerability because they know what makes them vulnerable makes them beautiful. Brene also tells us that vulnerability is the birthplace of joy, creativity, belonging and love.

To open my heart and be vulnerable. To practice gratitude and lean into joy. To connect. This is my intention for this new year.