Happy New Year!

Late Afternoon Light © Michelle Basic Hendry

My very first post that had me set goals instead of resolutions was published on January 1st, 2008. I said some things in that post that I think may have gotten lost along the way. So instead of a boring list of my personal goals – which many of you who follow the blog are already aware – I think a re-publishing of my 2008 New Year’s post might be the best thing I can offer to all of you this new year:

For the first time in a few years, we had an ‘almost’ party here for New Year’s. My sister and my husband’s best friend dropped by and we ended up having a wonderful meal, a great laugh and celebrated what we all hope to be a bright new beginning in each of our lives.

Many people begin with resolutions, but, few make it to the end of January before they break them for any number of reasons. My sister had a wonderful suggestion for a better way of looking at our hopes for this new year. While tying her boot laces for a walk outside – she said:

Set goals instead of expectations.

I have been guilty of setting expectations instead of goals for years.

A friend and visitor commenting on my last post asked me if I ever felt like a pebble on the ocean. I had to sit and think about this for a while. The events of recent days had me tied up in thoughts about how we construct our lives. However, how we view our lives might be more important than what is in them and just as important as who is in them. When we see things with a new attitude, we can often find there are things in our lives that need changing or that we need to ‘clean house’.

Change is a process. It is inevitable, like the passage of time. We can flow with the tide or fight it – Be who were are or try to please others. Being true to yourself is not always easy. Change can be painful. Our ‘truths’ must be sought inwards and the only voice inside is ours and ours alone. The more we listen and trust it, the louder it gets – the easier it is to hear. The solitude we cultivate to hear that voice is a gift. There is both a melancholy and a freedom in solitude. Sometimes, it is cherished; at other times, it can be lonely. Each part of that is necessary. It is a balance.

Everyone uses their solitude differently and for different reasons. I need solitude in order to be creative. It can be isolating and I can feel like a pebble on the ocean; however, staying true and keeping my eye on the goal can feel like flying above the clouds… But, in order to take that flight, I need to let go of all my expectations.

I begin this new year with a new strength and hope for the future. I will spend some time setting some realistic goals and enjoy the journey. I think I may have said too much and this post could end up feeling like a flood of clichés! I am just so filled with energy and excitement – I want – I need to share it.

Here is to enjoying life to its fullest – to enjoy ourselves and each other…

Here is to reaching for the stars and grabbing them – only to discover we had them all along….

HAPPY 2011!