The holidays are coming to a swift close with the New Year anxiously waiting in the wings. As is the case at this time, we’re all filled with anticipation and reflection. The week between Christmas and New Year’s day is always my time to figure out what went right over the preceding 12 months, and what I hope to accomplish over the next 12. More often than not, I find myself disappointed that I did not live up to each and every one of my lofty goals. I vow with resolute conviction that I will do better, strive harder, reach higher, work smarter in the next 365 days (366 if it’s a leap year). It’s a habit. I don’t expect that I’ll break it after these many years. I don’t think I ever want to. I’ve become kinder with myself for not living up to all my expectations. I’ve learned to focus on what went right, not so much on what went wrong. If that means I’ve only checked off two or three of my twenty-plus goals for the past year, it’s ok. I can celebrate those two or three accomplishments with enthusiasm and joy. Because here’s the thing. I’m learning to distinguish between my wants and my needs. I want to be a Rock Star. I want to be a millionaire. I want a huge house and shiny new car. But I need to be respected by my peers. I need enough money to keep body and soul together. I need to be grateful for the simply abundant life that is mine. It’s only when I distinguish between these wants and needs that the true reflection of the year comes into focus. I made it through. I’m still standing. I have enough energy and optimism to start the process all over again.
And one more thing. In our type A society where we’re all rushing into the future to get more things done in less time, I think I’ve figured out something pretty important for me. My spirituality is guided by the premise that there is a Higher Power, Supreme Being, Source, the Universe, whatever you want to call it, that is guiding me through life from a perspective that sees and understands the “Big Picture.” Something I can never comprehend. From that premise, this Higher Power has already granted me a certain amount of time for this life here on earth. So obviously, there is always just enough time, not a moment more or less, for each of us to get exactly what we need to get accomplished. I’m secure in that fact, but it doesn’t stop me from making the lists and trying to live up to them. Like I said, it’s a habit.
Happy New Year. May it be everything you hope for.
