New Year, New You?

I  haven't written a posting since the end of November.  While I realize my readership isn't exactly, ahem, Oprah-like, I've been conscious of my non-writing and apologize for the lack of it.


The post Thanksgiving holiday blender of December seemed more action packed than usual this year.   At work there's always a sense of everyone trying to get it all 'done' before the holidays (which of course is perpetuated at a very process oriented organization). With family, friends, loved ones, certainly an urgency to see everyone, do everything, be social and make merry during a concentrated thirty day window.  I also tend to have that lingering "I think I'm Martha Stewart" thought pop up from time to time in my subconscious, typically like others, when you're really busy and then decide to run yourself a bit ragged shopping for the 'perfect' gift, making the 'perfect' meal, helping keep up the 'perfect' holiday tradition.   


Post Christmas the new theme takes over in the bubble, the year in review, highs and lows,  what do you want to do for 2012, who do you want to be, where do you want to go?   What are your goals and resolutions?    It's not emotionally neutral territory...Especially for people I know who have suffered a great loss during the past year. 


I personally had a more superficial  response to the new year approaching by literally checking a bunch of nagging things off that internal To-Do list ranging from buying new shower curtain liners to Brita replacement filters.  (As if carrying over these mundane things 'to do' in 2012 somehow matters?)


January's calm helps to still the waters.  When I think of a new year, in my mind's eye I picture how things look in the woods outside of my cousin's house in Higgins Lake, Michigan, after a blanket of snow.  Trees bare for the season, with morning sun reflecting off the white canvas.  The beauty of enjoying the moment, just as it is. The freshness of what's ahead.  Spring in slumber.


In the end, whenever that may be, the to do list, the goals, the resolutions, what we want to achieve...I don't think they matter as much as whether or not we listened to our dreams (the real ones, that only speak to us when we actually do slow down), and how much we loved.


Happy 2012 everyone. Expect great things.