When I signed up for the parenting gig 5 years ago, I had so much energy that I never imagined it would run out. Of course, I had heard the cliche that parenting was a marathon, not a sprint. But did it mean anything to me back then? Not much. I sprinted. I got exhausted.
Most of last year I spent in survival mode. I had to stop sprinting and learn to do things differently. Look after myself. Ask for help. Say ‘no’.
I did what I had to do and I wouldn’t change a thing. Yet, in the process, I’ve somehow managed to disconnect from my dearest people, including my husband.
This year’s word for me is:
Connect
© Rushour | Dreamstime.com
- I’ll connect with myself . I’m beginning by taking Lauren Luquin’s Intuitive Heart eCourse. It’s ironic, but I find it easier to connect with myself when working in a group. Besides, I’ll get the chance to connect with other women looking for their Intuitive Hearts.
- I’ll connect with my husband. Lately, I’ve often felt that we’ve grown in different directions. But that’s ok, as long as we still support each other’s growth and that’s where we have some work to do. (I’ve just read an inspiring post to send me in the right direction: Are you with your soulmate?)
- I’ll connect with my children. (Should I mention Unconditional Parenting here, just in case I haven’t mentioned it often enough?)
- I’ll connect with you. (If you’re not sure why you’d want to belong to the blogging community, please read Engagement from Scratch, it’s free to download.)
To check out everyone else’s word, visit Maxabella loves… What’s your word?
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I'm Tat. I'm a mum of two who loves to dance, travel, explore new things and spend time outdoors. 
Yes. Definitely you cannot sprint your way through parenting. I did a lot of sprinting while my children went from birth through to the end of primary school and then when they hit high school and the ‘real’ fun and games started I wondered why I hadn’t taken it more easily when they were younger. I hope you re-charge your batteries in 2012.
Hotly Spiced recently posted..Just a Little Taste
Connect – Love it!
I think it is such a wonderful word to choose for the year.
I think figuring out a problem is often half the solution, so I am sure you are on the right track to re-connection. (new follower here)
xx Sannah
sannah recently posted..One Word
Great word! I’ve become disconnected over the years – and it has been all about survival. Friends, family, husband and even the kids at times. It’s a hard journey, parenting, but oh so important to stay connected for that moral support.
Debbie @ Aspiring Mum recently posted..Reflecting on 2011 – What Went Right.
I’ve run the parenting sprint from time to time myself. I hate that sometimes I feel myself wishing away my children’s childhood like some frantic assassin. I am doing better the older they get (funnily enough). Connect is a beautiful word for a wonderful year, Tat. x
Maxabella recently posted..Hello 2012: One word
I’m tired just thinking about sprinting in parenting.
Great word, I love the focus points you have for it, too.
Becky from BeckyandJames.com recently posted..Mental Mumma is Mental
I love your word… Connect. Perhaps we’re connected, as it’s one of my words for the year too! Hope we can connect again here…
Found you via Maxabella.
Cath@leafjournals recently posted..2012 Words of Wisdom
I am loving all these word posts – so much inspiration focused on one concept at a time. I need to work on my connection with hubby this year so thanks for that link – off to read it now!
Deb @ Home life simplified recently posted..2011 reflections filled with gratitude
Love this! It takes deliberate action to connect in all these ways. May your engagement be richly rewarded!
Thanks Michele, and thank you for the inspirational post.
its an odd place that feeling of disconnectedness. You can be in a room full of people, yet feel completely disconnected from any of them….
good luck with connecting…
reading this post has got me thinking – what one word would I use to symbolise 2012…?…. off to ponder that one a bit more
Vicky recently posted..what went right in 2011
I’d love to know what you decide on!
Tat what a fabulous word for the year and so beautifully written. I look forward to reading more about your e-course – sounds very interesting
Caz recently posted..GRATEFUL: Getting Back to Basics in 2012
I’ll keep you posted!
I think feelings of disconnectedness ebb and flow. Recognizing it and committing to fix it is a sign that the tide is turning and you’ll soon feel reconnected with the ones you love
Good luck and Happy New Year!
Carrie @ Hazardous Design recently posted..The Butler’s Pantry Big Reveal
What a great word. And for all the right reasons. I just love it!
Thanks for the reminder. I have been disconnected from myself for too long, I guess. “Connect” is really an important and powerful word. We oftentimes tend to neglect its significance in today’s ever-changing world. If anything, being connected will keep us grounded- and sane!
By the way, you’re one of my picks for the Liebster Blog Award. Check out my post here: http://pepperrific.com/2012/01/ich-liebe-blog-awards/
The Pepperrific Life recently posted..Ich Liebe Blog Awards
On ya Tat. FYI – Disconnect to connect.
Disconnect the telly.
Disconnect your phone charger.
Disconnect your computer.
It helps every now and then
Dad Blog Tork recently posted..Stopping to Say Thanks
Disconnect to connect – I like that. I hardly watch TV and my phone is more of an emergency device than anything else, but the computer is definitely causing me some grief as far as face-to-face connections are concerned.
I LOVE this!! Connect is a fantastic word.
New to your blog. It’s great!
I think I will also connect, and….check out some other words…
Thanks.