Thank You 2010

If I didn't know better I would swear it is still September. Where did the time go? A testament to my age and that where in my youth a day would feel like three days sometimes, now a day feels like the length of a morning meeting. I wish there were time and space to account for all of the amazing blessings that found their way to my heart this year. I am more humbled as the years go by and more grateful for less and less. Not to say the blessings are not bountiful, indeed they very much are, more so than ever. It is just that it takes much less to stop me in my tracks. I see everyday miracles that I used to rush past before. Slowing down and living in the moment has opened my world to so much beauty that I was not available to appreciate before.

Recently I wrote our Christmas letter...( that's right, I said it, I said it!- ) Chrisssstmassss.

that will be sent out with our Christmas cards and I found myself tearing up as I recounted what a fabulous, family focused year we have spent together in our home. Beyond the great trips, the children's milestones, the business success, the new puppy, the Olympic fever, the new sports, the great friends, what really struck me and made me stop in my tracks were the 'teachable moments'.

Now, I am known for my love of everything. I had a friend comment on my Facebook status yesterday saying that I am sure 'loving' lots lately. It could easily be assumed that my world is near perfect, no heaviness or loss. No stress or disappointment to mention. Well, those who really know me know that is far from accurate. What is true is that the biggest gift and blessing I have received this past year is how to make the most of the 'teachable moments'. Those are what I like to call the moments that come to us and stop us in our tracks without barely a moment to decide that crucial decision that we face every moment of every day, which is how can I use this experience to better myself and my family/ loved ones? In what is before me, regardless how dark it may seem, where is the love? Where is the light in this for me to focus on? I have learned that if I am able to keep my eye on the ball or light in this case, I am going to grasp this situation and learn what I am meant to learn.

I suppose this is an easy philosophy to adopt considering my belief system, which is that everything happens as it should, when it should and to whom it should. I am usually met with great debate when I mention this in public but I know it in my heart of hearts and I have faith that whatever is put before me, I can handle. It's all in the handling.

It is all in the handling, but more accurately it is all about our own individual 'tool boxes'. I have discovered that missing tool this year, and that is how to define the teachable moment, and what to do with it when it arrives. We have such vastly different tools and coping mechanisms that it is difficult to understand why certain people react to certain situations the way that they do. What I have learned is that rather than judging one another in these moments, why not be open to share our own tools and be willing to adopt some new ones along the way.

Let be clear though, I do practice these methods for sure, but I should also disclose one of my most sacred tools, I like to call it my ' bff- circle of trust.' This is the one I usually pull out at the end of the day and it is one of the most used in my toolbox. If it weren't for these girls who listen to the venting which comes with every teachable moment, I am sure I would lose my mind. This is where I drop my F-bombs (plural) and get all of my 'tough guy' dialogue out so that I may return to the level headed, TM practicing world peace keeper. Everyone needs a vault that they can secure their emotional baggage into and feel that it is safe and honoured and taken with a grain of salt. I call these ones, The Wise Old Indian, The Writer & The Princess. My wish for the world is that every one has a few of these characters supporting them also. They are priceless and I would not trade them in ever.

My greatest learnings from 'teachable moments' this year:

• I have learned this year that it really is okay to be different (we teach our kids this, you would think I would know it myself, but knowing it and living it are very different).
• To be 'that mom' who will not over schedule her child. Good for you if you want to expose your kids to 5 different after school activities this term, have at er'... I have chosen to do only 2.
• I have accepted that I do not have to be that social hostess that has company over every weekend. I prefer to do all my hosting in August and December, it's just how I roll.
• When all the women around me are discussing where they get their manicures done, I am comfortable with my callused hands that have glitter under their nails and are chipped from making jewelry.
• I have come to love that I am one of the only people I know that drives a car that is at least 5 yrs old and does not have room for carpooling. I love my Outback... I mean I LOVE my Outback!
• It's okay to boast about how great your husband is. Amazing husbands are rare... I am gonna brag... just sayin'
• When friends get divorced- it sucks for everyone, and at the end of the day despite the greatest efforts, sides will reveal themselves organically and you just have to stay true to who you are through the process.
• When someone is yelling and smacking a child in a grocery store for touching a box on a shelf, it is okay to walk up to the mother calmly and tell her that if she wants to hit someone, why doesn't she hit you, someone her own size instead.
• I get a thrill when people ask me where I got my shirt and I can proudly brag that I got it from the good will and I quickly brag that I also got a pair of Jimmy Choo Boots and Christian Louboutins there also. Shnap! Recycle, Reuse, Renew!
• When it comes time to greet people or say goodbye, I have to hug you, it's just the way that I am, always have been and always will be and I secretly think I am changing the world one hug at a time.
• I have learned that reconnecting with old friends feels better than making new ones.
• Making new friends feels better than keeping old ones that are energy vampires.
• I have made peace with the fact that there are days when I just want my kids home with me, and it is okay to skip a day of school here and there... it is time well spent loving and laughing.
• This year I realized that no, I cannot will someone to be a better person, that I can only stay in a place of love and compassion and choose to invest my time and energy in those who mirror my sentiment.
• And the greatest personal gift I received this year was that I had done, said, did, all of the above without an ounce, not a single iota of guilt. I have accepted all of the things that others made me feel were somehow shameful, and I have learned that only I can judge me. The rest of the world's impressions do not exsist when we live in the moment, rather those are our own projections that we identify with. I guess if I had to sum the year up in one word it would be Freedom.

So yah, thanks 2010- it's been a good year.

Love is as love does. Let's love 2010 out and 2011 in.

Namaste,

Tiffany