I have to admit right off the bat that this post has been incredibly difficult for me. It’s a strange thing, because I love the start of a New Year. Everything seems fresh and possible. Yet, I’ve struggled to find words that adequately reflect what I’m feeling.
Maybe it’s all the upset in the world last year that has me drained and a little hesitant to think of exciting goals and profound resolutions. Or maybe it’s two years into retirement and still searching for the next big thing. Of course, it could be that after all these years, being who I am and where I am in my life is exactly just right.
By George, I think she’s got it.
Actually, I think it’s more common as we age to arrive at this place of contentment, not complacency. Of striving to do better, be better, but with grace not stress. Wanting to continue to achieve, but without the need for it.
It’s a great place to be, albeit a little uncomfortable, too. Where’s the big goal, the challenge to be overcome, the game to win?
Which brings me to the New Year. No resolutions to write, no Word of the Year calling to me. Just a gentle rumbling that keeps telling me to look inside and . . .
. . . wait, listen, be still.
Oh geez – all the things I’m SO not good at.
Kidding aside, I do believe that each of us is on this planet to find and become our best self. To seek, to learn, and to share all that we are in whatever form that takes for us. No matter how simple or how profound our offering is to the world, it’s all good and necessary and important.
I’m not saying that we shouldn’t continue to pursue dreams or opportunities, passions or new interests. Absolutely, we should do all that. I’m just saying that perhaps it’s time to listen more, be mindful of each day, our thoughts, feelings, behaviors.
“Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
So as we begin a new year, let’s let go of any mistakes, missed opportunities, transgressions and failures of 2018. Take the learning, make amends as needed, with others and with yourself especially, and then move on.
Move on to deeper learning and insights, to more compassion for self and others, and to joy for the journey ahead.
As a dear, sweet friend toasted on New Year’s Eve: “May we find Hope and keep it in our hearts. And may we all choose the higher road toward our better selves. We can do better.”
Beautiful.
Here’s wishing you the higher road and your best self in a bright, shiny 2019.
Till next time,
Judy
Thank you … Happy New Year!
I think you’ve hit upon something very important – that we so often feel there needs to be “something more – better – different” instead of just appreciating what is. For many of us, in our youth, we were programmed to believe that having children was (or should have been) one of our highest goals. And perhaps, not having them, made some of us feel like we didn’t hold up our portion of the American ideal life. But as we aged, we realized that was only one possible path for us. I believe the same is true in older age – after retirement. As you say, just be open, “hear” and “see” what is before you and the rest will fall into place.
Thank you for your lovely writing and ability to go beneath the surface. Happy New Year!
Author
Great analogy, Jules. Thanks for your comment and kind words. xoxo
Thanks to you both for being a catalyst to me to help me realize my better self and for being beacons of hope to all of us.
2019: A Season of Hope and Love
I’m into my second week of retirement and thought by now I would have checked off some items on my ‘to do’ list, signed up for a new yoga class and dashed off a couple of masterpieces (joking). Instead I’ve spent the last two weeks battling a cold! Or was it just my body telling me to “…wait, listen and be still”.
As usual Judy, you very nicely put everything into perspective.
Thank you and Happy New Year!
Happy New Year Judy….had to get that in before it become February tomorrow. I have had a terrible flu or cold and just starting to wake up!
Author
Happy New Year to you, too! Glad you’re feeling better – not a great way to start the year, dearest. Here’s to better, healthier days ahead.