New Year's is so interesting to me. I really love the death and rebirth analogy that is New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. I tend to entertain thoughts that analyze the cultural New Year's phenomena. I'll spare the mundane details but I am intrigued by the chaotic celebrations at the year's end, the overwhelming, almost expected, acceptance of socially unacceptable and risky behavior, and the desire for resolution, a new beginning, and a forced sense of order that comes with the dawn of the new day. The year starts out fresh and new and by the end of the cycle we have worn it out-- it is old, tired, crazy and ready to die. It even extends into a hell vs. heaven type thing. Just a fascinating analogy to me.
Why do we do this? I think at some point we need a specific event where we as humans can refresh and restart the clock. We are forced to bring everything back into order. January 1 is no different a day than December 31, but in our minds it is the starting point and new attempt at control.
So with that said, I give into the need for control and always find myself looking brightly to the year ahead.
This year I would like to focus on simplicity. I want to simplify my life. I plan to do this by better organizing my time. I must simplify and to do that I must plan.
I want to be deliberate in my actions. I am not going to do something just because I have nothing better to do.
I want to simplify my surroundings. I need to scale back for the sake of my sanity. This will be a year of getting rid of the superfluous.
I have to purge not only the "things" but the obligations and responsibilities that are creating static in my life. I started this by quitting my job this fall. That burden was lifted and I love the freedom I feel from it.
I will continue to blog because I enjoy it and it is fulfilling to me somehow. And since these goals are posted for the world to see, I have a better chance of maintaining them.
Here's to a fresh, vibrant, new year!
4 comments:
Cheers, my friend! And I hear you on simplifying lives...it goes hand in hand with my theme as well...in order to become a good steward I'll be simplifying as well...and I'm sure I'll have plenty to learn from you, and others, as the year goes by! So glad blogging doesn't fall into your superfluous category...!
That's pretty deep man. I want to somplify my life by throwing out all the crap lying around on the floor, the toys that never get played with, and all the clothes I no longer fit in.
Inspiring words Alyssa, I started using that motto "Simplify" when I was in YW's. Denise and I would constantly tell each other that and it helped tremendously. So I will be your friend to remind you, hope you do have a simple and calm day :)
ever thought of the difference between 'simple' and 'simplify'? The first seems to have such a negative undertone where to simplify is so .. refreshing!! Hmm.. no clue what goals I will have this year. Maybe I'll start with understanding the meaning of the word 'goal' (as opposed to 'goalie' .. which again, has a totally different meaning).
I should just stop thinking.
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