Setting Intentions for A Beautiful Life

This second week in January is one of the quietest of the year.  In hindsight, I am sometimes amazed at the pace I and others keep during the holiday season, which really begins much earlier than Thanksgiving weekend.  So once the last box of holiday decor is put away and now that my children are adults, there are many quiet moments to reflect on the past and plan for the future. 

As I look ahead to 2009 and contemplate areas of focus throughout the year, I am inspired once again by Sarah Ban Breathnach's book Simple Abundance.  This book was given to me by a very good friend and, in the months that followed my receiving it, I enjoyed reading the daily entries.  Each month has a focus which was well-timed and mirrored the seasons of the year.  In case it is not evident yet, I am partial to seasons and all they represent, which made Sarah's "Daybook of Comfort and Joy" even more appealing.

This year I plan to enjoy once again the pages of Simple Abundance.  And I plan to focus on certain qualities of life during each of the four seasons.

Winter ~ Centering.  Since order brings me tremendous calmness, maintaining organization in my home is easy.  But there is definitely some fine-tuning that can be done inside closets and drawers, and in the garage.  Ensuring time is spent investing in my surroundings is an investment in my inner peace, too.  But centering also includes basics like re-establishing healthy habits and scheduling medical check-ups.   

Spring ~ Renewal.  I love the newness of spring.  The flowers and Mother Nature's newborns hold a special place in my heart since my older son, my first born, arrived on an early spring morning.  Refreshening my surroundings and renewing my spirit will be more defined as winter unfolds.

Summer ~ Relationships.  Admittedly, summer is my least favorite season of the year, primarily because I don't like hot weather.  That said, there are many wonderful family events that occur during the summer, including my younger son's birthday, our family's annual trip to Lake Tahoe, and now some lovely memories of a seminar I attended in Virginia this past July.

Autumn ~ Nesting.  In my favorite months of the year, I so enjoy spending time at home.  Celebrating the harvest and the season of thanks and giving are best fostered indoors.  I was born in the fall and it is the time of my rebirth.  While the leaves on trees begin to dry and fall, my spirit soars and comes alive again.  Traditions dominate my thoughts and plans, and all the centering and renewal of the past is harvested in the relationships that were fostered over the years.  Time at home with family and friends during the holiday season is the best tradition of all.      

As the weeks and months unfold, it will be fun to join Melissa and others on this path of good intentions for "A Beautiful Life" in 2009.  I'm looking forward to it!

Comments

[teresa]

Arleen-
I love how you set your goals by seasons- It will be wonderful to see how things evolve through out the year-
Beautifully said-
Have a wonderful day-

[melissa @ the inspired room]

I love your goals and breaking them down by seasons! Thanks for you inspiration and sharing your goals.

Happy Day!
Melissa

[Rosie's Whimsy]

I am so excited to be able to read everyone's suggestions for a Beautiful Life. This is going to be a great year!

[Sandy]

I love that your goals are centered around the seasons. Best of luck obtaining your beautiful life!

[Connie @ Young and Relentless]

I love setting goals by season and I love spring too because it is when my children were born!

I have one of Sarah's books and I'm inspired to read it this year.

Thank you!

[Amy]

I just found your blog though Melissa, and am looking forward to following you on your journey through a beautiful life & goals.
-Cheers, Amy