Exiting and entering a year
News shows review the events of the year in an attempt to encapsulate what’s happened. They paint a snapshot from various perspectives like the best techno gadgets of the year and the most significant world events. Last year was filled with many unexpected events. Some were surprisingly sweet while others were devastatingly deadly. We began the year with the inauguration of a new president who continues to influence politics with his tweets. Those praying for world peace are keeping a vigilant watch on North Korea’s nuclear threats. The Metoo# movement empowered women to speak out about sexual harassment which removed several influential men from their positions of power. Shock reverberated around the world over the Syrian government’s chemical attack on its own citizens and the Las Vegas gunman’s attack that caused thousands to flee in terror.
Puerto Rico’s horrendous hurricane and the devastating wildfires here and on the coast remind residents of the power of nature and the need for compassionate coordinated responses to overcome her effects.
On the other hand, the first nationwide solar eclipse in 99 years held millions captive in its magical glow. Many traveled to other states to experience the moon’s shadow during the total eclipse. The discovery of new planets held moments of awe for scientists as they gathered data about the possibility of life there.
While world events both positive and negative affect us, it’s how we respond to them that matters. Disenchanted with the political scene, disheartened with global fighting or delighted with scientific discoveries… the choice about their impact is up to the individual experiencing them.
Have you noticed that the person that you were as you exited last year is different than the person you were that started the year? Introspective analysis can result in helpful insights about the change and transformation that has occurred over the course of a year.
There’s the family self and the friend self, the physical self and the emotional self, the work self and the play self, the intellectual self and the spiritual self…each of which changes over time.
As a mother last year, I was needed less because both kids are self-sufficient now. As a daughter, I checked in more because mom needed a sounding board for coping with disabilities caused by Dad’s stroke. As a grandma, I got to do double duty when my new grandson joined his sister.
As a dieter, I gained back weight that had been lost…drats! As a dancer, I learned new choreography and as an educator I learned new brain-friendly instructional techniques.
As a friend, I was saddened by the death of a dear loved one whose passing was a reminder to cherish the moments of connection with others while they’re here. This year’s resolutions are about mindful eating, living in the moment and making more time for friends.
Regardless of the challenges a year offers up, compassion for the self that faced all the tough changes is key because it leads to significant transformation.
Faith Salie of CBS News did an inspiring piece about how art can influence New Year’s resolutions. Studying a drawing from the artist Matisse, she noticed he hadn’t erased his errors. Knowing that a master left mistakes that others could see affected her New Year’s resolution. She advised listeners not to strive for perfection, but rather for creation.
The Japanese method of repairing broken pots with gold so as to enhance the damage while making it whole also delivered a message for Faith. She noted re-solution is returning to the notion of repairing our lives each year. Perhaps it’s alright to show our cracks and repair them visibly.
Be sure to hold the moments of the New Year mindfully. Take note of how you entered last year and how you exited. What learnings can you celebrate? What imperfections need additional work? Make a grand entrance into the freshness of a new year. Show up fully in each moment and plan a memorable exit.