The start of a new year seems like the perfect time to start a new blog… a place to express myself (good, bad and ugly—probably more of the latter two) and grow. I have always considered myself and my life average---living the suburban “usual”. But, I have learned that some of my experiences (could be the way the story is told, or just the story itself) are just not. So, I have chosen this medium to share…even if no one else sees the difference.
I have also come to realize that the holidays can be difficult for many. And, others celebrate with an amazing amount of joy and hope. It is an interesting contrast, and while I tend to lean towards the difficult (shocker, I know!), it does create a moment of pause. I, traditionally, spend the New Year’s holiday considering the year just past—what was good, what could have been better and how I impacted those two things—and briefly considering the year to come… I am not big on resolutions, because if saying I was going to do something accomplished a damn thing, I would be wearing a size 2 and dancing naked in front of a mirror daily.
What I have come to realize is this… eating “lucky” foods (whatever your tradition—mine was pork and potatoes and the hubs black eyed peas, which made for a not- so- pleasant New Year’s Day meal), assuring unrealistic goals in the form of a resolution, staying up late (for me anyway) and hoping for better, doesn’t mean a thing. What makes the new year a success is having a clear picture of what you want the future to be and a solid foundation of how to get there. You can’t wish to be a size 2 and sit your ass on the couch eating bon-bon’s, nor can you hope for a better job, if you don’t get out there an look (etc.).
The simple fact, in my overtly pessimistic view, is that one midnight is not going to make all the bad go away. But a clear reflection of what was bad, and a solid plan for what will make it better might. So, I sit and wait for a stupid ball to drop in NY (as if it was the center of the universe) and remind myself that the same bills, problems , joys and miracles wait for me tomorrow. And, if I manage them properly (with calm, forethought, determination and maybe even a little piss and vinegar…) next year is bound to be better. And me, because of it.
What are your hopes for 2014???
