There are so many demarcations that signal a new year.
There’s my birthday in June that says, I’ve officially spent another year on the planet. I get to say inane things to my reflection in the mirror, like, don’t worry about the loosening flesh, it’s only because you’ve come such a long way baby, and don’t worry, you’re like wine…seriously Colleen, you’re like wine. Focus on the depth, yeh, yeh, depth…
Call me shallow, but I’d love to have the depth and wisdom without the requisite saggage.
But yes, I know, I know, I’m supposed to own this.
Mostly I do.
Then there is, of course, September, the time of new pencils, fresh white pages, thick socks and crackling leaves. It cranks me up, that September page. I’m all a-tizzy with what I’m going to do: Yessirree, hup two three, Look at me!
And of course, there’s this one. The Happy (official) New Year event. The day the calendar flips into a NEW YEAR and I do all those requisite resolutions and reflections.
Let’s review shall we? That’s three opportunities to start again. To have a plan. To do something amazing!
I’ve decided it’s not enough.
Instead, I propose a New Year every single freaking day of the year. Yup. This is the official new world for moi.
It’s a fresh start. Today. Today. Today. Today.
Sure, there are some plans afoot, and yes, I have some goals and ideas I want to implement. But ultimately, like a good One-A-Day vitamin, all I really get is one shot at this living thing…one day at a time. In fact, who’s to say when my best-before minute will come due?
Each day – if I’m lucky – I’m going to wake up. Do my best. Breathe deeply. Pay attention and try not to waste the hours given to me, but even if I do absolutely nada, I’m still going to go to bed and say, That was enough. You done good. Rest.
In case you doubt the efficacy of my plan, I am throwing in a big name to support my proposal. This concept is more succinctly expressed by none other than Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Happy New(ish) Year!
Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense. – Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 – 1882)
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Happy New Year Colleen, I’m telling everyone that I am very optimistic about 2013! Whether it’s optimism or simply something to say, I really do feel great! As my manic depressive mother would say, “I’m having an up day”. When her moods would swing to the other end of the scale, she would call it “a thinking day”…….which brings me to my thoughts that not only seeing is believing, but thinking is believing too. And that can go either way 🙂
I love YOUR thinking especially when its in print.
Happy Optimistic New Year Karen! Your mother was definitely a source of wisdom eh? I LOVE the wisdom you pulled out of those experiences, especially, “…that not only seeing is believing, but thinking is believing. I find it very empowering, and more often, rather humbling, that my day (whether good or bad) is really as a result of my thinking.
So I’m with you. I am very optimistic about 2013 too.
I feel like my mind is expanding to include different possibilities and a more relaxed view of the world. Getting older ain’t all bad!
Happy New Year to you both! and yes, tomorrow is a new day.
I never set new resolutions in the New Year as I fear that I will lose them. I only try to improve on what I am already doing.
Catherine, I like that idea of simply improving and expanding on the notion of what you’re already doing. I guess that’s what I’m doing this year too. Nice thought…Happy 2013!
One of my favourite quotes, Colleen. Happy new year to you and Kevin.
I’m reading a great book at the moment, and we always share – “The Antidote – Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking” by Oliver Burkeman. He’s a journalist with The Guardian. You might just enjoy it.
Hey Stephen, always know I can get you with a good quote!
I love the sound of your book. I’m making a note of that. Thank you.
I’m reading Behind the Beautiful Forevers and loving it. Amazing book about some people in the Mumbai slums. Crazy good writing.
Happy New Year to you and Carol! 2013 is THE year 🙂