25 November 2009

finding balance







At this time of year, with all of the festivities, and the planning and preparation that goes along with them, I tend to find myself with endless "to do" lists that seem to grow longer rather than shorter.




Please don't misunderstand - I really truly love this time of year. I love the feeling of excitement and anticipation, I love the twinkly lights, the afternoons when my counters are covered with flour and sprinkles and three different varieties of chocolate. I also love the fact that there are drinks for every part of the day - Bailey's and coffee at breakfast, champagne and orange juice at brunch, old-fashioned mix cocktails at 3 pm, and a wonderful glass of wine at dinner. Really, what more could a girl ask for?




I also think that, even though people are busier this time of year, they are quicker to smile at strangers, they have a spring in their step, and they are more generous with those in need. That just may be my very favorite part of this season.



Alas, with all of the wonderful aspects to this season, my growing "to do" lists is always there, poking at me when I sleep, staring at me while I work on a project or catch up with my correspondence. Not to mention there are endless things that never even make the list to begin with! I also try and make time for blogging, for taking photos as that is something that nourishes me creatively, spending time with my boys doing what they like rather than keeping to my own agenda, date night when we are lucky enough to make that happen, visiting with friends, baking, sewing, spending time on the property in the gardens, and the list goes on and on.




One thing that I want to put more thought into this year is how to find a healthy, positive, satisfying balance when it comes to incorporating all of these aspects into this season. I would like to work on projects, but not lose myself in them (I wish you could hear my laughing hysterically at that one...). I would love to make each gift that we offer each other something meaningful, possibly something homemade, a letter written, a photo taken. I aspire to do more meal planning, more slow cooking, more eating seasonally, shopping locally. I love the idea of spending more time around the dining table and talking about what the holidays mean to us as a family. I want to find something self-less to do as a family, whether it is serving a meal or two at a local soup kitchen or something else along those lines. I want my boys to really understand what the holidays are truly about. And finally, I wish I could make time each day to spend even a few moments making each one of my five wonderful boy/men feel like they are the most important person in the world to me.





Do I think that this is all going to happen? Probably not, but there is something about writing it down, putting it out there, and acknowledging that these are the things I aspire to. This is the world I want to create for these boys to grow up in. I want to take the commercial, consumeristic, more is more attitude that seems to surround us these days and instead offer them an alternate holiday season. I want them to look out into this amazing world that they live in and ask themselves, what can we do for someone else to make their season better?



{this is #3 on the evening news donating money to a local food drive}


So, on this Thanksgiving Eve, I am so very thankful for my boys - all five of them. I am thankful to have such a wonderful family, my dear sweet friends - near and far, and those of you whom although I have never met many of you, touch me with your kindness, your thoughtful words, your support and encouragement. You truly make this journey one of bliss and joy.

Thank you so very much for that.



19 comments:

Mikal said...

One of the things I love SO much about the blogs I've found, is that so many people are feeling the same things I feel. I often think no one could possibly understand what I'm feeling... and then I read something like your post, and I'm wrong... someone DOES understand.....if we all work together to bring the focus on family, giving, love... it will change the world... at least mine, and that's where I want to start! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, and thanks for putting into words what many of your "readers" feel.

Mikal

Cathi said...

Happy Thanksgiving to you too, Kimberly. I hope your day with family is awesome. I, too have slowed the pace of my life down, and am enjoying the simplicity of the season! xxoo

Jboo said...

What a lovely post -- so sweet! I need to follow your example!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Janet

Donna said...

Kimberly I totally agree with you. Our family started a tradition a few years back where each night in December we eat supper by candlelight. I have 2 boys and a girl and my oldest boy whose 9yrs. reminded me the other day that in Dec. we get to light the candles. He loves it! It is such a nice change of pace where we can sit down together and talk about the day and be in candlelight. I hope it's a tradition that they will carry on someday with their families.
Here's wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving and time to just enjoy the moments.

Anne Marie said...

very well said.......and I do believe you are right.......there def. is a focus within Christmas....

Happy Thanksgiving.....have a wonderful day with your boys....

Ange said...

Amen Mimi! Part of doing projects is losing yourself in them, that's the fun part and the 'living in the present' part - but only while you're working on them! You have to leave them in that tidy atelier of yours when you close the door! As my complete living and dining space is my atelier however, I have a little more trouble practicing what I preach than I should. *hear hilarious laughter too*

I will close with these wise words from my excited Libellule, " Mummy, I can't WAIT to be good so I can get Christmas presents from Santa" Yep that season sure brings us all a smile. .. Thanks for bringing all that up - it helps to know we're all on the same wavelength... Love

Debra said...

Your thoughtful list inspires me. We all want to make this season perfect- at almost any cost. I have read a few great posts this week on keeping the season in perspective. It all goes by so quickly-we need to drink-in the warmth of family, friends and the true meaning. It sounds like you are doing an amazing job with your dear boys- some lucky ladies will thank you one day darlin'.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Suzann said...

Happy Thanksgiving to you!
May your day be filled with blessings and great joys.

Eileen said...

What a lovely post. And I totally understand. :) Happy Thanksgiving and I hope your holidays are wonderful.

MODERN Prairie Girl said...

This is YOUR year, I can feel it. So much love sending up north to you, my dear!
ox
Lara

Barbara said...

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Barbara

Apron Senorita said...

Hi Mimi,
I wanted to personally stop by to wish you a blessed Thanksgiving. It is wonderful to see your blessings from God, in your sons.

Yoli :)

Mónica said...

I just found your blog and it's lovely.
Thank you Mimi

MiaNostalgia said...

And thank YOU for sharing you thougths adn pictures with us on your nice blog. I was touched by what you wrote.

I whish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Lori said...

A beautiful post Kim ~ I love you, your family and your farm. I am thankful that Martha brought you into my life. You are a caring, sharing one of a kind person. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by those that you love. xo

Laura said...

Balance is a slippery slope.
I loved this post.

To add to the holiday lists, I also add things I feel I need to do to live life better-
heathy eating, exercising, etc.

Mercy-

I pray to avoid that jumble this year.

Laura

FrenchGardenHouse said...

What a perfect and timely post. We always have so much on our plate at this time. But our holidays don't have to be picture perfect to be, well, PERFECT! I know you will find that balance, and take the time just to enjoy the moments with your family. xoxo Lidy

Pandorah's Box said...

Brand new to your blog and already in love...

Thank you for the inspiring post!

prashant said...

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Work from home India