The New Year vs The "Old" Year

So you're winding down from the holidays of 2009 and celebrating the beginning of 2010. What are you feeling as you think of another year, another decade, starting? No doubt you are thinking about the past. We all are. The holiday season is always a time for reflection, of looking back on the year that has gone by. It's a time to take inventory of what we have gained, our accomplishments, successes, new experiences, and what we have lost. At the dawn of a new year we are full of hope and promise of a new start. It's a second chance to get it right.

This time of reflection is not without a glimpse (or in some cases, a cold hard stare) into our misses, rather than our hits. The meant-to-be-broken-New-Years-Resolution notwithstanding, we are not immune to focusing on our shortcomings. Is this where we thought we were going to be 365 days ago? For some of us, absolutely. For others, probably not. We often set ourselves up with goals that at first glance should be within our reach, should be easy to accomplish...and for whatever reason, as the months fly by us at lightening speed, life happens and we lose sight of our goal. The cold reality of another January 1st hits us like a glass of ice water and we find ourselves thinking "where did that year go? what did I do all year? I know I didn't [lose 20 pounds] [start/finish school] [change jobs] [join a gym/dance/acting class/book club]..." Sound familiar?

I doubt any of us were idle this past year! On the contrary - when we take stock of what you did accomplish, it is a pretty impressive list. Whether it was finally finishing the unread books sitting in your bookshelf, an impromptu gathering with friends or family, or grabbing a gang to go skating, make note of it. The activities that really matter are rarely written down in your "To Do" list. But they are even more important, because they are part of your life, part of you and they deserve to be recorded. Take stock of what you have done - if it helps, record them in a calendar or journal (by the way, doesn't have to be a memoir). Document your "Have Done" list. It'll be an impressive one!

My wish for you is that as you reflect upon the year gone by, and the promise of the year to come, you take time to pat yourself on the back for another year well-done!

Happy New Year/Happy You Year!
Karen

The Inevitable Holiday Post!

It was bound to happen - the holiday post. Where I am supposed to remind you of the reason for the season.
I am not planning to do that. Everyone is stressed about the perfect gift, tree, meal... Apparantly, it is a season that is supposed to be full of peace and joy, however during my holiday errands, I am noticing that there is a shortage on peace and joy!
I just want to send a short message to remind everyone that regardless of how beautiful your tree is, how clean your house is, how many fancy cookies you have baked or painstakingly arranged the perfect evening, none of this is vitally important.
During the holiday entertaining season, there's one thing you must never forget...the reason why people are coming to see you is to do just that! TO SEE YOU! (and if they are concerned about petty, perfect things, then, really, what does it matter?) As in my previous friends post - you have guests who will want to pitch in to wash your dishes and bake your h'or d'oeuvres because you are running late! Let them!
My wish for you is that you entertain with a cheerful abandon. Put the timer on the stove when warming stuff up - then relax until called by the bell. Eat, drink (responsibly!) and be merry! Look around - the best holiday decorations are the ones hanging with you - not on the tree!