A life of purpose & a legacy to build.

2012. Crazy huh? Remember when we were all excited that it was going to be the year 2000 and that just blew our minds?! 2012. I'm still trying to wrap my head around it.

I've just spent the morning watching the funeral of an amazing man, Kristian Anderson on live feed from C3 Oxford Falls.

It may seem a little strange. To watch the funeral of a man I didn't really know on tv. We have mutual friends, but no personal connection. Yet I sat, watched, cried and rejoiced along with the rest of the congregation. 

Why? Because he has inspired me.

(Read Kristian's blog here.)

Many of you will remember him for his appearance, along with his amazing wife Rachel, on the Oprah show when she came to Australia all because of the awesome birthday message he created for Rachel...you can watch it here.

Kristian had a purpose. He had a life driven by the grace of God who put him here, albeit for a short time, to change lives. Kristian made a difference. Not only did he fight for cheaper cancer drugs to help people like himself extend their lives, but he not once wavered from his faith and his trust in God who would call him home all to soon.

You can here more about his journey here. Be sure to listen to his final interview. It's long, but it will change your heart and possibly save lives. Have your tissues ready and don't miss Rachel's incredibly brave, incredibly strong and incredibly moving eulogy to her hero husband.

I am completely blown away by his faith and I am also challenged by his legacy. 

What legacy will I leave on this earth? 

Life is fleeting and we are here for a purpose. There are no coincidences. 

Your family, adults and kids, don't remember the stuff you bought them or the money you spent. They don't remember the work you did. They only remember the time you spent with them. Investing in them. They remember you character. 

So this year will be different. 

I will hug my babies more. 

I will yell less. 

I will stop silly fights with my husband before they get bigger than need be and just LOVE him. 

I will appreciate and cherish every 'mummy, mummy, mummy, mummy' that I hear because just hearing my children's voice is a precious gift.

I will play more and spend less time worrying about the state of my house.

I will take time out for me so that I can be a better wife, better mother, better woman.

I will go outside more and enjoy the gift of the natural world.

I will log off from screens more and log on to the real world and spend time with my family.

I will give my family my undivided attention. 

I will organise my time better so that I can still enjoy the things I love without them impacting on my family time.

I will stop worrying about money and trust that it will sort itself out.

I will treat my body better so that it serves me well as long as possible.

I will get regular check ups at the doctor.

I will be kind to myself. 

I will treat myself with respect, love and with the credit I'm due.

I will be open and honest about my faith, without shoving it in your face.

I will be real.

I will be me.

I will LOVE.

This is just a start. But I'm putting it out there so that you, my friends, can keep me accountable. 

What is your purpose in life? Have you found it? Are you still searching? 

Think BIG. Start small.

One step at a time.

I'd love to hear from you if you're willing to share :)

Happy New Year. May your 2012 be a defining year in your life.