I’m writing this from a sickness induced haze. My bedroom smells like Sudacare Advanced Vapor Plug, or so I’m told…because I can’t smell a thing. And when you can’t smell, food has no flavor – so eating loses it’s pleasure.¹

So that’s where I am – but this post is about where I hope to go. This post is about the power of intention.

Since 2007 it’s been my yearly tradition to pick a #ThemeWord. Two years ago, I also started picking a #ThemeColor & #ThemeSong all meant to encompass the year ahead. Last year my #ThemeWord was FORWARD. I wanted to move on with my life. I wasn’t sure what that meant – I just knew it was time to stop standing still. This year – I am ready to take that FORWARD motion deeper through PRACTICE. In fact, PRACTICE is my official 2012 #ThemeWord.

Why PRACTICE?

prac·tice/ˈpraktəs/

“My life is my practice.”

I’ve read so many great books over the last year, but two profoundly influenced my life and my work. It just so happens both were by Steven Pressfield. The first The War of Art taught me how to overcome creative resistance, and the second Do The Work gave me a roadmap for “getting to done”. In fact, I catch myself repeating “Do The Work” over and over again whenever I’m trying to finish a project or task. A silent mantra to overcome even the most stubborn resistance.

But in order to do the work, I must practice. And for me that means returning to the cushion again and again. This past year I’ve been an imperfect meditator. And that’s okay. But this year I’ve set a really BIG goal for myself. I intend to sit Zazen (my practice) every day for the next year. I even ordered a fancy new Zabuton and Zafu from Carolina Morning (They are seriously the best! Ask for Deborah). Sitting imperfectly I’ve seen a huge improvement in my ability to focus for longer and longer periods of time. This is inspiring!

I might fail at my BIG goal of practicing everyday- but that’s okay. That’s why it’s called PRACTICE. But I’m gonna try my best. And I’m gonna report back here every day to let you know how it’s going.

My teacher says “Every question in life is how. And every answer is do. And do and do.” It’s that simple.

#ThemeColor this year is GRAY. And my #ThemeSong (drumroll please) FOOTLOOSE! The Kenny Loggins version

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I don’t have a lot of certainty in my life. I have friends that come and go, projects that start and end, relationships that blossom and fizzle. I never stay in one place for long. But for the last 5.5 years, there’s one thing that’s been a constant in my life – Netsquared. Surprised? I was too.

Tonight I sat at a wooden table in the Oak Room at Stag’s Head Pub, wearing a pink Santa Hat (thanks to @happykatie) and watching a slideshow of the last 6 years. So many friends, so many memories – so much that I want to hold on to forever.

I met Matthew Wettergreen for the first time at a Netsquared meeting…or maybe it was the first time I remembered meeting him. I fell in love with the Schipulites through those monthly meetings. Especially Ed, Katie, Jason, & Michael.

Through Netsquared I discovered that there is a whole world of people just like me – people who want to change the world and make it a better place. People whose motives go beyond just making a profit. I found people who spoke my language, who laughed at my corny jokes and who supported my dreams…even the crazy ones.

They are champions of the good. Each of them humble leaders who I am honored to call my friends. My family.

So here’s to Netsquared Houston – to all of you amazing and wonderful people who’ve made it possible throughout the years. I love you. I mean that. It’s the end of an era – but I’m hopeful for what’s to come.

And here’s to Grace & everyone at C2Creative for stepping up to help this organization live on. You have my full support. Let me know what I can do to help.

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Boy meets girl. That’s how it starts. He takes her on a first date and then a second and a third – dinner, dancing, the movies, a moonlit walk. They talk for hours about everything and nothing. Their palms sweat, their hearts race, and they can’t imagine how they’ve managed to live this long without one another. A first kiss leaves them breathless. They gladly suffer a thousand sleepless nights until the unexpected moment when he says “Will you?” and she says “Yes” with a promise of “I do”. And suddenly, it all makes sense. Love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning.¹

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