THERE'S THE DOOR, 2012
With the end of 2012 approaching, I thought I’d take the
chance (as we all do) to reflect on the past year (especially as it was supposed to be our last according to the Mayans who are now all laughing that they played the best joke ever), and of course with my best
intentions, end on a positive note. Admittedly 2012 was a challenging year in a
variety ways. I think the general collective felt this, or perhaps it was just
from my vantage point. In my own life there was a great loss, ill health of
those around me, and a general feeling of tumultuousness (emotionally,
politically, economically etc. etc.) that was often hard to navigate through
(add onto that the general vicissitudes of life, and well, one can often feel
like a pinball being shot through a machine on any given day). Trust me, there
was a lot of coffee drunk, chocolate eaten, and long walks (with the King
dragging 300 cars with us) taken throughout all of this.
Of course this makes me wonder if the universe was simply
testing us all to see how strong we are (with the intention of making us
stronger) or that life is simply always this challenging, some are just more
often seated under the air conditioning vent of life and others get the spot
next to the heater. I suppose my point is, that 2012 while challenging in many
ways, it also made me thankful for the many blessings that have been bestowed
upon me. I have brilliant friends (one of which I miss oh so much), a loving
family, a two year old force deemed the King that lives up to his name every
day in the most inspiring of ways, and a city around me that while some days
kicks my butt, never ever bores me.
This past year also taught me a lot about myself. My limits,
the boundaries I needed to put in place, and the massive surrender I needed to
instill in many parts of my life (I’m thinking this is going to be a process
that takes about thirty more years, but hopefully I have time). It also made me
realize that life is precious and fleeting and as much as we’ve always been
told it can be taken away in an instant, until you truly are faced with that
prospect (yourself or those around you), the thought isn’t completely digested.
(Trust me, I get it now, so universe, let’s just slow it down a bit, okay?)
This year has also been a challenge in terms of what has
been going on in the world on a global level. It has made me truly define what
I believe (although that has never been my weak point, let’s be honest), what I
find important to fight for, and more importantly, what I find important to
hold to my heart and just keep quiet about (not something that comes naturally
to me, but I’m finding the power in this of late). We are a tricky planet full
of very polar mindsets, viewpoints and fundamental beliefs that often make one
feel like they’re at a family function with 800 relatives and no one can agree
on what to make for dinner – and of course then it becomes about everything but
the dinner and you find yourself ducking for cover and searching for the wine
bottle (or is that just me that feels that way?)
So, whatever year you’ve had this year, I say this: Instead
of wishing for a good year (that just seems naïve), I shall instead wish for
all of us that 2013 be a year of growth, a year of change, a year of coming
together in a way that we may have failed in the past. I wish that each of you
make a step forward in terms of your personal journey (in whatever way that
floats your boat), that you keep your loved ones close, that you learn from
those that may have wronged against you, and you try in some small way to give
back to someone who may need it (let’s be honest, we need to get a lot better
at this). I suppose most importantly, I wish that in 2013 we could all remember
that we’re part of a collective, the human collective. And if we put half the
energy into working together that we do into butting heads, maybe this world
could be a little bit more harmonious (you know, like that Coke commercial from
the 70’s when everyone is on the hilltop singing that irritatingly catchy tune,
swigging soda, all hopped up on sugar!)
Now go and stuff your face, fill your wine glass and let’s
show 2012 the door, shall we.