State of Grace

Resilience...well being. These are some of the words that bounced around in my mind as I begin a year of hectic travel schedules as well as the support of my ageing parents.

But the more I thought about it, I settled in on my word for the year "grace."

In some cultures, grace is the divine influence which gives us the strength to endure trial.

But I suppose what I like about the word "grace" is that beyond endurance, it implies a certain beauty and even dignity. To move through life gracefully means that although you may find yourself in a variety of sticky spots, you plan to maintain a fluidity, a suppleness, a flow, a presence...

If you watch a dancer, it's the smallest of details that finish their movements in a way that we would deem "graceful." The placement of the chin, the artful curve of a hand. Although poised in the most difficult of positions, with every muscle tensed to support themselves...they don't forget to extend outward in spirit.

In the same way, when I find myself bleary eyed at an airport or on my second hour in a waiting room, I will try to remember that every moment can be lived in spirit and strength. Whether that be laughing with a stranger as I realise my flight is cancelled or enjoying a cup of tea with my parents.

What about you? Is there a word that resonates with you and your family this year?