Welcome to a day in my life. I can't guarantee that this will be an exciting read for anyone. My life is filled with all the mundane activities of a stay-at-home-mom just trying to raise her three sons to be the best men they can be.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

There are a few people who truly inspire me. One of those people is Ali Edwards. For those of you who aren't scrapbookers, Ali is what you would call a "celebrity" in the scrapbook world. She travels all over, teaching classes at conventions, she has books, and magazine columns. This doesn't impress (although her talent does.) What I find impressive, is who she is as a person. She's very down to earth and humble. (after spending a weekend at a reteat with her this was very evident.) She's a mom who fights many of the same battles that a lot of us fight. She has a son who has Autism. She is fighting for her son, trying to give him the best chances in life. She is fighting for all children, and adults, with Autism, trying to raise funds for a cure. She doesn't let her busy life interfer with her most important mandate ... her son. This impresses me. This truly inspires me. If you want a further glimpse into her life, check out her blog listed on the left. You will be glad you did.

Ali has adopted a word each year for the last three years. It's a word that she uses to focus her life on throughout the year. She has put out a challenge for others to do the same. I've thought long and hard about this, and this year have decided to do the same. I've spent a lot of time over the past few days trying to figure out what that word would be. The one word that keeps coming back over and over is the word

EMBRACE.


So, this is going to be my focus this year. EMBRACE.

em·brace1 /ɛmˈbreɪs/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[em-breys] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation verb, -braced, -brac·ing, noun
–verb (used with object)
1. to take or clasp in the arms; press to the bosom; hug.
2. to take or receive gladly or eagerly; accept willingly: to embrace an idea.
3. to avail oneself of: to embrace an opportunity.
4. to adopt (a profession, a religion, etc.): to embrace Buddhism.
5. to take in with the eye or the mind.
6. to encircle; surround; enclose.
7. to include or contain: An encyclopedia embraces a great number of subjects. –verb (used without object)
8. to join in an embrace. –noun
9. an act or instance of embracing.

This year I want to embrace life, and all is coming my way, good or bad.

I want to embrace my children for who they are and the challenges they have and help them to be able to learn to embrace them too. I want to accept the things I can't change.

I want to embrace opportunites that come my way and not just sit back.

I want to embrace a healthier lifestyle (not always so easy for me)

So, this year will be about learning to embrace life, not matter what.

6 comments:

  1. With that attitude, I think 2008 will be a good year for you, regardless of the circumstances you encounter.

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  2. Love your word.

    You must tell us more about going to a retreat with Ali Edwards ... or did I miss that post?

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  3. Anonymous10:40 AM

    Great word that you chose Barbara! Please keep us posted throughout the year to see how you are able to relate to this on a more daily basis. :) And I agree with Nat (brn2scrp)... when did that retreat with Ali happened??? ;)

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  4. Ali Edwards is one of my favourites too. I thought about taking on a word too but am second guessing myself. After reading your blog, I think I am going to do it afterall.

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  5. Anonymous10:03 PM

    You've chosen a great word. I'm still pondering that challenge. Last year, I chose "live" and I truly believe I lived my life to the fullest in 2007... including my little trip to Toronto when I had a chance to meet YOU in person. :)

    I will have to give this a little more thought and choose my word for 2008. I'll let you know when I decide. ;)

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  6. Anonymous12:16 PM

    What a great word Barb!

    I'm just reading a book now that talks about all cities having a word and all people having a word, and I liked the idea, but I kept thinking "But mine would change all the time" so this "Word for the year idea fits just right for me. I think mine will end up being an F-word. LOL! I immediately thought of "FLOW" and later thought of "FLEX". But I love Barb's "LIVE" as well... they all seem to suit me for this year, but I'll think a little more and see which one I EMBRACE as my "FAVE" ;)

    Keep EMBRACING Barb!
    ~Deb

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