It is a New Year! Much like each new day is a day of new possibilities, a new year holds an endless stream of possibilities.
When I think of a new year, like many of you, I think of the changes I can make to better myself and the world around me. Then I look at nature and wonder, what does a new year mean to nature? I mean, once your rhythm of life is perfected, what is left to do but go about your business as usual.
I'm guessing not many of us feel as if our rhythm of life has been perfected, but I believe nature has accomplished this. When one stops to truly witness nature, it is clear how well it has perfected the cycle of life. Seasons seem to flow effortlessly from one to the other without question.
Spring represents a new beginning. Flowers spring to life, leaves make their grand entrance and new born critters take their first steps. Then summer comes along and every moment is occupied with living in the moment in preparation for what is to come. Fall comes and while some plants prepare to go dormant, some critters embark on impressive migrations or are bursting with the need to continue the cycle of life. Then winter arrives. For some a well-deserved rest is in order and for others the biggest challenge of all lies before them – surviving a harsh environment in this cycle of life. At the end of the winter, the cycle begins yet again.
All of this is done, seemingly, without question or thought or hesitation. So why do we, humans, make such a big deal about a new year? Perhaps it is because we are still perfecting our rhythm of life. Or because our purpose is not always as clear. Or we believe life is supposed to be some grandiose experience and if we haven't achieved that something must be wrong with our life.
When in fact, life can certainly have its grandiose moments, but isn't life a culmination of the little everyday moments? It's appreciating the little things like a shared laugh with a close friend, a hug from a loved one, an overzealous greeting from our dog when we get home, the glimpse of a bald eagle soaring across the sky or the chatter of a squirrel in our backyard.
Perhaps the best thing we can do this year is just go easy on ourselves. Take our cues from Mother Nature:
- Go with the flow
- Live in the moment
- Appreciate the little things
- Trust everything is working for our highest and best good
I am willing to give this a go and I look forward to what it will teach me. This doesn't mean that I will just sit dormant and wait for my goals and aspirations for this year to be achieved. It means that as I work towards my goals and aspirations, if and when it feels as if I am swimming against the current and the resistance becomes too strong, I will pause and reevaluate my approach without berating myself. I will take it as a sign I need to change my approach.
So, how about you? You ready to give it a go?
Let's connect in the Spring and see how we are doing!
Oh, and Happy New Year!!!
Very insightful as usual Karen! Thank you for reminding us that we are all connected to nature and taking a cue from it will always lead us into being better humans.
Happy New Year, Karen! I will remind myself once again to go with the flow. If things get too difficult and I feel like I am fighting against the current, I will stop to reevaluate and try a different approach. Life is too short to waste time berating ourselves! Let's appreciate everything around us and learn from Mother Nature!
Give it a go, I’m in and have been well before you picked up this gauntalent.
Trust everything is working for our highest and best good . . . is a disagreeable matter we can discuss later. But you are on the right path Sis, you do us all proud. Stay the course.
Dear Karen,
Happy New Year. It is interesting that you wrote this. I have always tried to live my life the way you explained it here. I appreciate the way you can articulate your vision. You have a gift my friend. Enjoy the seasons!
Judy Enright