Integration. Balance. Learn.
Integration, Balance & Learn are the three words our family each defined for our 2023 vision. Naming a word and focus for the year is a practice I’ve followed for over 15 years; this year, I invited my husband and son to join. We each selected our words the first week of January after several dinner discussions about what would serve us best.
I chose Integration.
My husband, Mark, chose Balance.
Our son, Preston, chose Learn.
Fast forward to last week (mid-January). We had a whirlwind of unexpected events – a glitch in the matrix, as we’re now calling it. While playing pickleball with friends, my husband ruptured his Achilles tendon resulting in surgical repair and significant lifestyle changes. After spinning unnecessary cycles on how we will navigate our temporary new norm, we were faced with our three words – Integration, Balance & Learn.
Integration
I am on the cusp of birthing my passion project and soul-led business with the focus of ‘homecoming’ for women, and now I am faced with Integration. My initial reaction was to pause (again) my launch, and then I saw The Gift that I must consciously Integrate our new norm into my life. I am thankful for my trusted soul sisters for holding space and supporting me to be empowered. This work is deeply powerful and liberating.
Balance
My husband is stepping into a new leadership role in his career and family. He chose Balance so that his self-care was present while he navigated his new roles. With his injury, Mark’s self-care has been shifted into Balance. He sees the injury as an opportunity to learn radical self-care and the importance of a strong support system (no one can do everything alone).
Learn
Our son is profoundly curious and a hummingbird of energy. He’s also an empath with a gentle soul and tender heart. Preston chose Learn because existing in our world can feel overwhelming and confusing. We continuously and lovingly remind him that he is Learning and his gifts are special. With our new norm, Preston is actively witnessing his parents Learn and adapt to real-time life… and with our Learning, he is seeing that it is safe for him to Learn too.
“Isn’t it interesting how life can show up and invite you to own your desires, dreams, and commitments?”
~ Bonnie Hazen
We could have chosen to feel powerless and frustrated, but we consciously chose to see the gift in our glitch. We’re also keenly reminded that our conscious thoughts can empower us and that we should choose them wisely.
Photo by: Bonnie (taken after a beautiful and expansive journaling session that connected the magic of Integration, Balance & Learn.)