january 1, 2008

The older I get, the more mixed my feelings are about the significance (or lack of it) of the changing of the year.  Does magic happen when the clock strikes twelve on December 31st?  Do we get a clean slate?  More energy?  Forgiveness?  It's just another day ... with no greater power to grant renewal than any other day. 

But we forget that, of course.  In the process of managing the details of our lives, it's easy to get distracted (not that i would know anything about that ... hey, what's that noise downstairs?  ... and now that i'm here, how 'bout another cup of coffee ... and i need to unload the dishwasher and ... what? ... is that the phone?) (but i digress ...). 

So probably because of all the distractions, we embrace the opportunity to reflect, and to use whatever collective energy is swirling around for change and improvement. I know I do.  (and having my bday fall on jan 2nd just adds to the reflective vibe ...)

Last year I wrote about the turning of the year and days later heard from a friend who thought the post was a bit of a downer and wondered if I was OK.  I was surprised she took it that way cause I thought I'd written something that celebrated life and change and paradox ... then again, I tend to feel that the randomness of this whole life-enterprise is something to celebrate (even when it sucks), and if you don't subscribe to that perspective, I guess it might've seemed like a bummer.

As for this go 'round the sun: I experienced lots of rich and wonderful stuff, punctuated by a couple of heavy challenges. (they would be the "even when it sucks" examples.)  I settled into the gig with more confidence; kept the old biz alive on the side with occasional writing-coaching clients and writing groups (back in full swing with those and loving it).  Shared wonderful times with friends and family; embraced my inner Rev.  Enjoyed two delicious holidays by the sea; made a move; dealt with cancer in the family (again), and then again.  I'm digging in on my karmic homework ... those patterns that have me locked in a cosmic tango (one step forward, two steps back) and I'm still in the dance.  Life is good.  ("even when it ..." ... oh, you get it ...)

So ... once again, my friends: another cup of coffee, another bill paid, another song you can't get out of your head.  Another load of laundry, traffic jam, sunset. Another challenge, another opportunity, another phone call to return.  Another visit with friends, another bottle of wine, another good stretch.  A good cry, a good laugh.  Another day, another year.

And another day again.

B

(thanks to stock.xchng and members boletin and the franz for the use of the beauteous photo)

(and you, my friend[s], for being on the ride with me ...) 

Comments

[maria]

Happy Birthday Deb!! (... though I'm sorry it happened to land on the coldest day of the winter so far) ... and Happy New Year too.

I tend to get reflective on those two days, as well, but my birthday's not til August, so there's a long break in between that and New Year's. You, on the other hand, get a double dose of it and get to clear all that 'yearly check-in' stuff out of the way in 48 hours. Nice.

Raising my virtual glass of champagne to you for another year well lived, and sending good wishes for the next leg of the journey.

Make a wish, girlie!