Embrace

A new year has arrived. With it comes the feeling of a new beginning.

I’ve never been huge on New Years Resolutions. The ones I have had rarely lasted past the end of January. Last year I was introduced, through multiple sources, to the concept of a guiding word or theme for the year.

For 2011, I chose Positive Discovery. I had no goals or destination in mind. It was simply an experiment in letting go and seeing what I found out myself. An informative year for sure.

While the focus was on the positive last year, one thing I noticed that popped up repeatedly was the concept of ebb and flow. Nothing stays the same, the future becomes the present which becomes the past. What one day is the greatest of greats eventually becomes normal and mundane. Just because life isn’t always super exciting, it doesn’t mean that you can’t appreciate the boring or frustrating periods .

This is my inspiration. The idea being to cultivate balance in my life, along with an appreciation for both the highs and the lows.

My theme for 2012 is Embrace.

This year the word did not come readily. It took several pages of mind-maps and writing out possible goals to see where I wanted to direct my life this next year. Categorizing my goals was simple enough. A theme seemed to jump out, and I went with it. But rather then leaving me with a sense of empowerment and excitement, I felt uninspired and restricted. Back to the drawing board, and ultimately the word had been waiting for me all along, I just hadn’t been open.

My goals are broken down into three categories. Live, Laugh, Love. A former motto of mine, these words encompass everything I have set out to attain, and encourage me to seek more. And to keep everything neat and tidy, plus provide some additional guidance, my blog categories are the same. I created some posters to put on my office wall to help keep me motivated (my interpretation of a vision board, if you will). They’re vibrant and colourful and make me smile.

I’m looking forward to the year to come. While I have goals, I have no clear destination in mind. It’s an exciting prospect.

Do you have a theme for 2012? Any big goals in mind?

Snowboard

Early in 2008 I faced a decision about whether to take my snowboarding up to a whole new level – competing nationally.  The thought was so exciting, but the reality was I was scared of pushing myself and financially in no position to take on all the necessary travel.

So I up and quit snowboarding.

Looking back on it now, I know that there were a lot of other factors behind my decisions, but I wasn’t able to admit to them at the time.  Or perhaps I was completely clueless.  At this point, who knows and who cares.

Three seasons later, and outside of a little blip of a day, my board remained stashed away.  Until now.  Because we are making a comeback!

As soon as I strapped in at the top of the hill, I knew, without question, that my love for snowboarding is still strong.  I love flying down the hill, going crazy fast.  I love making turns through the powder.  I love getting air off of anything I can.  Heck, I still love going ass over teakettle when I can’t stick the landing of a (mini)cliff jump.

When I’m living in the moment, it is so absolutely, astoundingly thrilling.  It’s when I’m standing around that old habits start to creep in.  The little voice that says “be cool, use the right lingo, talk big”.  But I recognize it for what it is now – my ego trying to take back control – and I’m working on letting it go.  To remember that I ride for the pleasure, not for the attention.

This season, I’ve committed to jumping back into snowboarding wholeheartedly.  I’m taking my coaching courses, hooking up with the local team and dedicating most of my weekends for the rest of winter to being on the hill.  I can’t wait to get started.

A Very Merry Christmas to You

Just wanted to take a moment to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas (or whichever holiday you may celebrate)! I hope that your day is filled with family, friends, laughter and cheer.

We’ve got a day planned at the lake with family. It should be a wonderful day.

Fresh Start

I’ve been feeling uninspired and trapped by that which I had crafted. Unsure how to proceed, and yet desperately wanting to continue. The past was restricting the future, creating boundaries that left me unable to explore and change.

So I deleted everything. A decision I sat with for a few days before putting into action. I gave myself a blank slate. An opportunity to create something new, something that resonates, something that inspires.

2011 was my year for Positive Discovery. With everything I’ve learned, it’s no surprise it was time for something drastic to draw it all together. Release that which no longer serves, and put into action everything that does. Prepping for a new year and a new focus.

I’m embracing change. Seeking evolution and fluidity instead of stagnation.