SITE TABS - CLICK TO EXPLORE

Wednesday, January 01, 2014

Good Morning and Welcome to 2014!

Yes, we resolve to get as much sleep as possible!


I had a post all ready but at the tenth hour I pulled it, seemed all wrong in light of some sad news I received hours earlier.

I’ve had a quiet easing into this New Year - I went all out and purchased a book, Zoo, by James Patterson, to bring in 2014.

I made it halfway (it’s a page turner) and then the calls came - daughter and a few close friends wishing me a good one.

I tucked the book in my nightstand, headed to the bathroom for a final tinkle and as it was the start of a new day I stood on the scale (as I do every day) and smiled. Yes, 2013 had been a great year in the weight and health department!

I then crawled under the covers of my warm sheep-fleece comforter and said good-night to the universe - a nightly ritual.

I lay there, mind swirling with thoughts of the sadness that had engulfed me earlier, and wondered how people carry on after a devastating tragedy. 

Were these people even worrying about resolutions - I think not. No, they will be more grievously occupied - death has a way of doing that.

I thought of all the resolutions that were being made; lose weight, stop drinking, start exercising… the list goes on.

A few weeks into this shiny, squeaky-clean New Year and many will have fallen off the scale; the wagon; the treadmill and sunk deep into the pit of failure, shame and despair. 

All to what end?

In the meantime the year ticks on - January 1st loses its lustre as February 1st looms on the horizon with March 1st nipping close on its heels.

And so the months drift on.

We fall back into our “old” ways (of yesteryear) - eating the things we know aren’t good for us; pouring that extra drink when a long hot bath or leisurely walk would equally release the day’s stress; forgoing simple forms of exercise such as walking to the corner store, taking the stairs two flights instead of the elevator…

There’s always next year, the first day of another New Year, to try it all again.

So, here’s the thing…

We are all mere mortals, full of failings, shortcomings and flaws. Stop aiming for perfection… it is unobtainable. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

Instead seek out a happy medium - find a good balance - be gentle on yourself if you don’t hit the mark the first time.

Remember, if you are desperate to start something on the ones - there are twelve first-of-the-month days - and then there are fifty-two first-of-the-week days - and if you really want to be different start a resolution on a random day and see how much fun that can be! (works beautifully for me)

Eventually you’ll toss the whole "first day of a New Year" aside for a good book, or a quiet night curled up with a loved one by the fire laughing at all those sillies out there stressing over a day that has no more significance than any of the other 364 that follow it.

Seriously… ask a person how important the first day of a New Year is when they are grieving over the loss of a loved one… and the only resolution they wished they had made was to say “I love you” a little more often, to hug a little longer, and show kindness daily.

Thank you for stopping in and letting me share my thoughts.

Cheers, Jenny

I would like to leave you with these questions - to ponder, and to answer, if you’d like, in one of your future posts; link it back here and I’ll make mention of it on my blog.

Did you accomplish what you had set out to do in 2013? 

Are you happy with your journey so far?

Will 2014 be “the year”? What does that even mean to you?

Did you make any resolutions? Have you made the same ones before?

Why is the first of January different than the first of any other month? Or is it?

And… last but not least…

If you could change one thing about “you” what would it be?

Look for my answers to these questions in an upcoming post...

15 comments:

  1. Happy New Year Jenny!
    Life is too short to be unhappy! We shouldn't fret over a few pounds or what others may think. It's what makes you happy that counts! I'm sorry for your bad news.
    I've posted your questions on my site! Hope to see another post from you soon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just came back from reading your answers to my questions - awesome! I like them all, but the last one hits the mark. My answer is the same! I like me just the way I am.

      Happy New Year to you and your family. With smiles, Jenny

      Delete
  2. Hi Jenny - sadly death, illness, tragedy does happy each and every day of the year .. I feel for your friends and loved ones who are grieving and struggling to come to terms with life as it stands now ..

    My thoughts though to everyone ... have some peace amongst the troubled times .. and have a quiet ease in to 2014 ... life is too short to rush, we need to stop and smell the roses and remember each second as it ticks by .. Happy New Year - Hilary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Hilary - thank you for your kind words. Sad and shocking news was given me by my brother of the vicious attack and subsequent death of a beloved family friend. Just outright tragic. I've been left feeling somewhat stunned and at a loss to understand the senselessness of what happened.
      The kindness out here certainly lifts the heaviness from my shoulders and makes it a little more bearable.

      I wish you a happy and healthy New Year, Hilary, thank you for stopping by.
      With hugs, Jenny

      Delete
    2. Hi Jenny - I now see what happened .. and that is truly tragic and very sadly so unnecessary ... and yes that senselessness will hang around ... we can't undo it, but it would help if we could understand. My thoughts ... the family must be struggling, let alone the huge gap left in your friend's family ... not easy to cope with ... as our thoughts always drift back ... thinking of you - Hilary

      Delete
    3. Thank you Hilary, for stopping back to read my reply and for leaving such a kind and thoughtful comment in return.

      The family is still in shock, as is the small bedroom community where this tragedy occurred - the woman was much known and beloved by many. As to understanding what happened, this is where the problem lies - how does one ever understand such a violent ending to a beautiful life. So sad, I must say it really has left me deeply saddened. It will take time for this cloud to lift.

      Again, thank you for your words - they are soothing. With hugs, Jenny

      Delete
  3. I loved reading this post. Having lost the love of my life 8 years ago now, I've carried on with what he wanted for me. To live each day with no regrets, to make memories, to start each day with a smile and end each day content that it was a good day. I do not make resolutions. I take one day at a time. Death is part of living. If you fear death you haven't lived fully. I always tell my son and my granddaughters I love them. And they love me. What more can I ask for? So good to see your post here on the first day of 2014. Makes me smile. And I adore James Patterson. Just purchased Private London for my next beach book. Hugs and love my friend. Xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Barb - I can't imagine what it's like to lose the love of your life - I remember you writing about it… so sad indeed. Thank you for reading this and leaving such a thoughtful comment.
      It is so true, "death is part of living" but when it comes prematurely and without cause - just senseless violence - it leaves me speechless and stunned. I am hard pressed to make reason of any of it - but time will pass and life will go on, for now I am a little in limbo.

      It makes me smile to read that you are so loved - as you should be - by your family, true, what more can you ask for!

      I highly recommend the book I just finished: Zoo, by james Patterson - a page turner - done in a day and a half. Made me think too!
      I'm just going to be starting the Private series - it's been a while since I picked up a novel - been knee deep in technical manuals and health/fitness books.

      Hugs and love coming right back your way, Jenny.

      Delete
  4. So sad to hear you've been touched by tragedy. My thoughts are with you. Yes, it does bring what's important into sharper perspective, and people do spend a lot of time fretting over things that really aren't important. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and I wish you all the best in 2014.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Botanist - thank you for your kind words - they touched my soul. I am in a deep reflective mood and find myself wondering "what it's all about" when something like this comes knocking - ah, the senselessness of it all.

      I send you happy thoughts for a joyous, healthy, peaceful New Year. May all that you set out to accomplish be just that - accomplished, with ease and success.
      With smiles, Jenny.

      Delete
  5. Sorry your new year has already been touched by sadness.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Andrea.

      Happy New Year to you and your family - with smiles attached, Jenny.

      Delete
  6. Thank you, Karen, for stopping in. You make such a good point "we are vicious to ourselves…" I've always been good to me - sometimes I could have been better, but I've never viewed myself as anything other than worthy of my own love.

    I hope your New Year started with peace, love and happiness. Hugs, Jenny.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I woke up on January 1st, so yes I accomplished what I set out to do in 2013.
    Whew!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's funny - I felt the same way - every wake up is a success story!

      Delete

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.