Thursday, January 30, 2014

January: Stability



It seems like everyone has a one word for this year. That's great, but I have a whole book of words, and just one doesn't seem to fit. That being said, as January happened, I noticed a theme.

It began with a fast that I started on the first, probably a bigger sacrifice than I bargained for. I learned a lot about myself, and I am really glad that's over.

I worked Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas, so that I could see my family. Because of those lovely work days, I was able to surprise my family just after Christmas, and also go to the beach this past weekend. We celebrated my dad and brother's birthdays by just spending time together. We talked, and ate an abundance of birthday cake, and my mom and I watched an entire season of Downton Abbey in two days.

It was a sacrifice to get there, and worth every moment. I got to rest with my family, and we all got to go back to our homes, and steady (if rigorous) lives. It's an good rhythm, and it's nice.

January has been the month of settling in. I've had to discover new patterns of life with this new season, both spiritually and literally. Snow can cause train delays.

I've started budgeting again, after spending like a mad woman November and December. Part of my spending spree was because of the holidays, and part of it was because I now have a real job, and they pay me real money. No more Monopoly cash!

I wish this post was more exciting... It's been a month of writing and friendship and paying the bills. But I think we all need months like this, ones which are fairly orderly, not a lot of drama, not a lot of change. The monotony is a nice relief from the chaos that was my 2013. 2014 has started off strong, by getting down to the basics. Stability. It's been good.

I don't know if each month will have a word or a theme; I only thought of stability as I wrote this post. We'll see!
Maybe 2014 will be a year of 12 words.

Until then,

Peace with you.