Those of you who have been with me a while here at w.p.r. may remember that at the start of 2010, I chose a word to carry me through the year. My word for 2010 was nourish, and overall I think it has served me well. Now that it’s December, I want to look back at my intentions and see how things turned out.
My intentions last December were:
to nourish my body.
I have developed a more loving relationship with my body and started paying better attention to what it needs. I was already eating pretty healthy food, but I’ve taken it to a different level with eating more intuitively and eating more frequent, smaller meals. I no longer feel hungry all the time or develop strong cravings very often. A couple of weeks ago, I did have some strong cravings – for salad! I didn’t used to enjoy salads at all and now they are a treat. That’s a huge step for me.
I get much more sleep than I used to, and more regular sleep. It’s easier for me to get up before dawn that it was before. I take walks at lunchtime by myself and enjoy the solitude and the feel of my legs moving me along. I enjoy accomplishing physical tasks.
to nourish my mind.
I created a beautiful home office in which I feel safe, comfortable, and inspired. All of the tools I need are there – my instruments, notebooks, computer, and art supplies. I have art and gifts from friends on display and lots of natural light. I have read more books in 2010 than I did the year before, and spend less time with Google Reader (as much as I enjoy it!). I’ve taken two “technology detox” weeks which I realize now are absolutely necessary to my mental and creative well-being. I have taken some interesting seminars and classes and delved deeper into subjects that interest me. I canceled my television service. I’ve made a conscious effort to ingest more information of quality rather than quantity.
to nourish my relationships.
This year definitely brought more rewarding experiences with my family than any before. I relate to them on a totally different level now and have enjoyed a lot of quality time with my immediate and extended families. I became an aunt! I went to fewer big parties, but spent more time in small groups or one-on-one outings with friends, which allowed for deeper conversation and less reliance on alcohol to create “fun”. I felt I got to know my friends better. I deepened my own capacity for love on many levels. I’m learning what it is to grow in a deeply committed relationship and that has changed me for the better.
to nourish my spirit.
I took up the practice of morning pages again this year and it has been such a gift. On days when I miss it, I definitely feel less centered and in tune with myself. I have also started meditating, though I’m not very “good at it” yet (I tend to nod off, even when I’m sitting instead of lying down!) My daily walks are also a time for contemplation and “me-time”, and they’ve been great for my spirit as well as my body. I’ve made some peace with the religion of my upbringing and gotten clearer about my own spiritual path. I feel more spiritually healthy than I have in the past.
Overall, 2010 was a year of tremendous growth for me and I definitely feel that I chose the “right” word to hold close these past months. Did you have a word this year? If so, how has it served you?
Now is the time to start thinking about your word for next year! I’m still contemplating mine, and just like last year, I’m sure mine will choose me rather than me choosing it.
[update: I just joined up with Reverb10 and am happy to see that this topic was the first day’s prompt! I don’t feel quite so behind now…]