A Purposeful Life

My beautiful daughters 1 1/2 years ago!

I have been waiting for the words to come to me. The mantra of my year 2013. Every year I choose words that resonate with me and guide me. It took some time this year. The beginning of the year was foggy but the words finally came to me. 

Be Patient.

I have a few reasons for this. One, my children. They are almost 3 and 5. It is so easy to be impatient with toddlers. With the noise and the mess and the constant needing something of me. But, as I watch them and marvel at their beauty, I realize how imperative it is that I am patient. With them. With myself. With my husband. Because I am teaching them how to treat themselves and others. In everything I do.

Two, my health. If you missed or are just joining me, I was in a car accident on October 29th, 2012. It could have been worse and I made out quite lucky. But I am injured and still recovering and will be for the better part of a year, in all best estimates. I must be patient with my body.

Three, the world. I am impatient for change. But someone asked me a question the other day that made me realize how patient I need to be. He asked me, "what do you want to accomplish?" Real change doesn't happen overnight. Choices do. Choices happen in a moment. And a collection of choices accomplish change. But I need to be patient. 

Patience. Is it virtuous? Possibly. What I do know for sure is that it is challenging. I wish it came more naturally to me. I think very quickly, usually with too many ideas all at once. So patience requires effort for me.

I know that my starting place needs to be patience with my health. Pain is exhausting, frustrating, demoralizing, and makes a mess of life. But pain can be a source of inspiration. Pain is energy and I believe I can use this energy to heal rather than to drag me down.

For the past few days I have been somewhat unplugged. Valentine's Day was a busy holiday for me this year (thank you!) and as wonderful as it is to be busy, I needed a few days off. When I took Thursday and Friday "off" from KK work I realized it had been a long time since I had taken a few days off. And I realized how important it is for me to do so now and then. No matter what, I will never be good to myself or my family (or you!) if I don't care for me. During my few days of being unplugged I had some clarity and the words Be Patient simply came to me.

So this year, as you continue on this journey with me, I will share my progress and state of being with you as I endeavor to Be Patient. I adore you. You know that, don't you? You all really make this worth it. Thank you.

~Kimberley