January 1, 2011

I want to scrawl this date in gigantic letters across the white walls of my living room. I love this date. It feels so clean, fresh, and brand new. It is a day I wish would stretch out a little longer, it feels so special. Beginning a new year is a big deal to me. I love creation and this date is a blank canvas every year waiting to be filled. I don’t really do resolutions or goal setting, not my thing really. However, I absolutely love coming up with plans and ideas and January 1 feels like the perfect time to do so.

Mystery and a bit of the unknown has always beckoned me. A new year brings this mystery to life. And so, this time is sacred to me. The world has let go of many of its rituals and while I’m not a highly ritualistic person, I believe in the value of having some that are personally important, such as this one for me. I wonder if certain dates/milestones resonate with us according to our personality and values? For example, I love creation and to me January 1 represents this. I also love birthdays since they recognize each person as an individual. I love Thanksgiving for its reminder of gratitude, and so on. There are some ‘holidays’ I’m not into on the other hand. Think of your own favourites and what they say about what is important to you.

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The quietness of the morning (or usually afternoon by the time I’m up and about) of the first of January is breathtaking. It’s like the streets after a heavy rain, except now they’ll be washed clean after a night of parties and celebration. It is one holiday where I feel more connected to everyone else and that is a wonderful experience. The day definitely has me feeling the “goodwill to all men/women”.

If there’s anything in your life that you want to start again, recreate, begin anew, then this is your time too. Bask in the spaciousness of this clean slate and when you’re ready, let new inspiration, desire, and hope take you forth…

and Happy New Year!