As we get to the end of the first month of 2014 I have been able to deeply reflect on the human spirit, leadership and the world around us. I visited Mumbai, India for a work commitment. On Day 1 Tim Costello CEO World Vision, Australia hosted us in the slums. We met such generosity from people who are working 11 hour days to earn $2. The flowers they gave me are the most beautiful and meaningful that I have ever received. The smiles that accompanied them made them so much more beautiful. Tim Costello had a great phrase that he discusses in his recent book called Hope. We often confuse the cost of living with the cost of lifestyle.
What was also inspiring is the role women have taken in the community to form small businesses  to provide educational opportunities for their children. We met a girl studying Micro Biology in University but living with her family in a room 6 x 6. She is full of hope and dreams about the difference she will make in the world and I have no doubt she will! A true focusing moment for me. 

As we welcome in 2014 it is worth spending a moment reflecting on 2013. 

• What went as planned?
• What didn't go as planned but changed the course of your life for 2014?
• What were the celebrations you shared?
• What were the new things you learned - about yourself, the world around you, your work etc.
• what were the things you are most proud of?
• What do you plan to do differently?
• What will you continue to focus on?

When we allow time for reflection we gain more insight that allows us to grow and strengthen ourselves and be there for others. What am I proud of?

• I am proud of the way I was able to navigate through so much change at work and not become defeated by it. At the same time helping others navigate through change. 
• I am proud of the focus I was able to apply to improving my fitness and getting a little more balance into my life. 
• I am proud how I continue to find time to learn - not only with topics for work but starting to learn photography more formally and going to  language school for 2 weeks in Italy. 
• I am proud of having special time with my very close friends and my family
• I am proud of completing the 3 day Hollyford Trek 
• I am most proud of the recognition my daughter and husband gives me for being there for them when it really matters despite a gruelling work schedule involving a lot of travel and long hours. 
• I also enjoyed celebrating 30 years of marriage. Marriage is a journey that can throw all sorts of challenges in its path and I am proud of how Michael and I navigate through this and be each others strongest supporter. When we vowed "for better or for worse" I am glad we seem to have a much higher proportion of "for better"!:) Maybe this is a reflection on how we handle the "worse" ....
  

I am making my new years resolution to stay as passionate about all the things that matter to me, be there for others and continue to learn and adapt as circumstances continue to challenge. I am looking forward to  embracing 2014 for all it will bring. Above all keep practising my mindfulness - being in the moment . After all latest research shows the strongest link to happiness comes form being present and in the moment, accepting without judgement and not from material wealth.