2013-Balance

Inspired by my friend Heather and her one word of 2013 (Alive), I've decided to join 365's One Word for 2013.  

When I look back on 2012, the word "change" comes to mind.  As I was brushing my teeth this morning I was thinking of a word that will describe our 2013 (as I said, I like to set intentions) and I think the word is "balance".  According to dictionary.com here are a few definitions of balance:

bal·ance

  [bal-uh ns]  Show IPA noun, verb, bal·anced, bal·anc·ing.

noun

1.

a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal distribution of weight, amount, etc.

2.

something used to produce equilibrium; counterpoise.

3.

mental steadiness or emotional stability; habit of calm behavior, judgment, etc.

4.

a state of bodily equilibrium: He lost his balance and fell down the stairs.


 Here are a few ways I'm hoping to achieve balance over the next year:

• my new role of mother with my existing roles of wife, territory manager, runner, blogger, etc. 
• in fitness, a mix of cardio (running and spinning) with yoga and strength training
• enjoying the BIG and small moments in life
• being present
• healthy, whole foods and chocolate 
• getting tasks accomplished and getting rest

I tend to get focused on the next item on the "to-do" list (and I have many) and want to truly focus on balance, being present and enjoying our little one's first year while being the best me in 2013.

I recently read "The Happiness Project" and there are so many great ideas and I just joined the 21 day relationship challenge.  I like that the author, Gretchen Rubin, focuses on small, manageable changes to make an overall impact on her life over the course of a year.   

How do you create balance in life?  Do you focus on large or small changes?    

Goals for 2013

2012 was a busy, busy year for us and I have a feeling that 2013 will be too.  As I think about my goals for the year (I'm a big believer in setting goals/intentions/having something to strive for) the most obvious one is, of course, to have a healthy baby!  I think becoming parents will be our most challenging and rewarding role yet and am looking forward to it and meeting our little one in February.  I'm sure we will have a lot to learn in adjusting to our new roles and attaining balance in our family.  This of course will be our number one priority for the year to come.  That being said, I couldn't help but come up with a few others for the year: 

• Start running again/complete a race!  I've missed cardiovascular workouts since I've been pregnant and am looking forward to getting back to running (especially with our new BOB jogging stroller-thanks to C's family!).  We've already got one planned, the Cleveland Rite Aid 10k.  C's family is coming into town for the race and to celebrate May birthdays.
•   Get our house into order.  We've been in our new house for 6 months and there are very few things on the walls.  I don't want to just slap things up so it's ongoing process for us to get settled and to make everything feel like "home".
• Find a balance between being new parents and our jobs once I return to work after my 12 weeks of maternity leave.  I love my job and want to make sure that I'm able to balance my role of new mother and my current role at work.
• Continue learning and educating myself.  Just because school is over doesn't mean learning is-but I'm glad I don't have to read any more ops or accounting texts now that I've graduated.
• Become more involved in our community and volunteer more-I want to focus on giving back to our new community and enjoying all it has to offer.
• Focus on blogging and learn what our readers are looking for (another post to follow).

I think these goals will keep me busy in 2013 :)