Reflecting

I have been drawn to nature the last few days, wanting to be among the beauty and simplicity of Mother Nature. I can say without a doubt this pull comes from the inner reflection I have been moving towards as we approach the end of this year. This pull has found me hiking, running, playing, tracking, and sitting in nature, being, breathing and taking it all in as I look back on the year.

I have found a common thread throughout my reflection, one word that keeps coming back to me...connection. This year has been a wonderful year of connection on so many different levels.

Connection to you, my "community". I could never have imagined the friendships I would develop through this space. It has been wonderful getting to know you, your families and connecting with you.

Connection to old and new friends. This year has seen a deeper connection among people I have called friends for years. We have connected on different levels and this has deepened the mutual respect, love and friendship we have. New friendships have been fostered this year as well. Friendships with like minded people, people who I can be "me" around and who offer no judgement, just a hug and smile.

Connection to this earth. Nature has always been a special place for me, a place I can go to to think, make decisions, breath, relax, slow down and just be. This year I have heard her calling me, more often, to connect, to experience her beauty, her magnificence and her strength. I have answered her call and with it a deeper, more intense connection has developed, one which I plan to explore throughout 2013.

Connection to myself. I  turned 40 this year, which turned me inward earlier this year to look deeper at what I want the rest of my life to be. It forced me to really look at my life, and the life I am creating with Justin and Reece. We want simplicity. We want slow. We want to be active participants in life, our life. We want to experience our time here more fully, with laughter and love. We want to wake up each and every morning with gratitude for this life, the one we are creating. After all the deep inner reflection I felt a stronger connection to who I am right now and where I (we) are going.

Connection to Reece. I am not sure if it is mama instinct, the deeper connection I have with myself or the time Reece and spend in nature together...maybe it is a combination of all three. My connection to him, this little being, it is incredible and seems to grow stronger and deeper with each passing minute. It is an amazing connection I am so very grateful for every day.

2012 has been the year of connection. Each and every connection, new ones and ones that have deepened have made this an amazing year. I am feeling so much gratitude for all this year has offered me and I look forward to 2013 and where it will guide me. I have a deep sense it is going to be a good one.

Happy New Year!