Breathing into 2014

Secure your oxygen mask first. 

Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.

2013 is bidding adieu and 2014 waits in the wings. When I was tucking the kids into bed after our family-friendly countdown to 8 PM, I tried to remember what I did last year on this night. Then I remembered:  I started this blog.

I won’t make a resolution that I’ll be more diligent about blogging this year. I’m also not resolving to exercise more. My resolution is simple, but it is one that will take more strength than I realize. Here it is: be kinder to myself.

As a teenager I struggled with the whole “secure your mask first” approach. It sounded so selfish. And even though at 37 I logically know that securing your mask first is a no-

brainer for survival, I haven’t really gotten the message. Not fully, not enough.

So as a Type-A perfectionist who has struggled internally this past year more than in years past, I resolve and pray to be kinder to myself so that I can be kinder to others. Can I breathe more fully, get that oxygen deep into every cell so that I have something to give? 

Well, I’m not sure, but I hope that I can trust the Spirit being at work, helping me pay attention to what is broken and what needs healing. It’s all gift, this breath, this life. Why not savor it a little more?

Peace to you in 2014.