Happy February

February starts tomorrow and this year, I’ve got a plan.

Over the past several years, I’ve had a growing awareness that I don’t do so great at being me in February.  It isn’t anything serious, but I usually find myself resolving to “just get through it.”  Don’t get me wrong; I know that there are definitely seasons in every life during which we must press on and endure, but this year, for me, February isn’t going to be one of those times.

Life is too short to wish away a whole month.

So, even when it is dark and cold and sometimes icy (ugh, ugh, ugh), even if it takes extra effort, even if it involves chanting “I think I can, I think I can,” I am going to spend February doing things that make me feel alive.  I am going to celebrate the blessings in my life and do things to make a difference in the community around me.

I’m not mapping out every single day in advance, but here are a just a few of the things I have planned.

Lifepointe is hosting a Night to Shine Prom (in conjunction with the Tebow Foundation).  It is an event for people with special needs.  I am really excited to be a part of it.  In fact, when I learned the event was scheduled for February I thought, “This is going to help February be awesome this year.”

Rob and Elizabeth are emceeing a Father-Daughter event on the February 21.  The theme of the event is “Princesses and Super Heroes.”  I’ve signed up to help with some preparations for the evening and am looking forward to being there to celebrate their relationship and that of the other fathers and daughters there.  Here’s a link if you want to help with that, too.  And here’s a link if you want to go.

Also, there are birthdays to celebrate, friends and family to host for dinner, a brunch with women I adore, friends to help move, new recipes to try, coffee to drink, running to do, words to write, laughs to share with my family, a visit from my parents…

Twenty-eight days of Nick still being in high school and living at home.

No, I will not waste a single moment wishing February away.  I’m going to soak it in – every moment.  And then in March, I will go to the beach on a beautiful day and sit in the sand and soak that it, too.