Working from a home-based office is often a real challenge, especially at this time of year when the pressure is on to finish end of the year activities for all the grants we receive while needing to get ready for Christmas. In past years I've been part time in my work, so I've handled the crunch -- starting next year it will be different as the projects we've taken on get more numerous and complicated. In some ways I can't wait, in others I have a little trepidation.

When it comes down to it - it will mean scaling back the complications of the season. And that's what I should be doing anyway. Does having the silver polished make the world more bright? The planet more peaceful? It makes the kitchen more bright - but its effect kind of ends there. Having our little farm and home in order makes me feel good - but having a clear purpose for being on the planet feels even better.

This year I want to focus on big picture:

• how am I impacting my community, my state, my world?
• how am I nurturing my own body, soul, and heart to be strong and attentive?
• how do the millions of tiny chores I do daily really impact the big picture, or am I just spinning my wheels and do I need to reset in some ways?

I'd love your thoughts on this.