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All of my life I have been an occupied, involved person. From school activities and church events to musical hobbies and club meetings, down time has never really been a part of my life. Even in college, I used up every last second volunteering, mentoring, or working. I got married, got my undergrad degree, and immediately started a graduate program while completing my first year of teaching. That same year, I became pregnant with my first child. When she was just 7 months old, I became pregnant with my second. My entire life has been this way – moving from one event to another. As exciting and thrilling and fulfilling as my life has been in my short 26 years, I am ready for a change of pace.

This year, I am taking life slow. I am savoring small moments. I am embracing a still, yet ever-challenging livelihood. Instead of running out the door to the next thing, I am spending an hour or two making dinner. Instead of running to the store, I am baking my bread from scratch. Instead of using Saturdays to get things done around the house, I am exploring the wilderness with my family.

For 2013, I have come up with a mantra, a single idea, a resolution for the new year – both simple and profound enough to be painted on the walls of my home.

Home is the heartbeat of family.

At the end of every day – no matter how beautiful or disastrous it was – home is our place. It is safe. It is comforting. It is love. It becomes the harbor of our existence. This year, I want to focus on my home. I want to make it a dreamy place, our favorite place to be. I want to spend time there – real time with my family. I want our home to be a reflection of the love we have for each other as a family. I want our home to be the heartbeat of our family.

Read more about my resolution here.