Just As I Am

 May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are.

Mother Teresa

Oh, January. Such a special month you are. With reminders of how we're supposed to lose weight, eat more vegetables, and simplify our lives everywhere we turn, the message of self improvement is clear. With that and the noticeable lack of twinkle lights and champagne, it can all seem a bit daunting. Clearly, I love making goals and striving to be the best version of myself, but the focus on starting anew can be a road block that stops us from seeing how blessed we are, right here and now.

I read this article on one of my favorite blogs last week, and haven't been able to stop thinking about it. Sarah very eloquently writes, "...this year, I don’t have a benchmark or milestone to reach. This year, I want to lean into living the life that’s right in front of me, right now." Isn't that a wonderful thought as we start the year? Lean into living the life that's right here before us, accept how and who we are right at this very moment? 

I struggle with this daily, and don't we all? I want to challenge myself to see the beauty in my lovely little life. Instead of beating myself up for gaining a few pounds during the holidays, why not step back and realize I'm likely the only one that notices? Instead of feeling lonely as I drive away from my family and friends back in Ohio, why not fill these blustery January evenings with meeting up with friends that are becoming near and dear? Instead of multi-tasking and checking Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram every 5 minutes, why not set my phone aside and be fully present during an evening with my beau?

So, for this weekend at least, I'm keeping my "goals" simple - cook something in the CrockPot on Sunday, finish the book I'm reading and start the next, go on a brisk winter walk, and all the while think to myself that I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be, snug jeans and all.

{Image via Pinterest}