Every year, the calendar reaches its final page and I am confronted with a blank sheet–12 new months of possibility, wide open for whatever I want to invite. And each year, there is a whiff of hope, an inkling of inspiration as I contemplate a new life, filled with everything I want, and none of what I don’t want.
And each year, as I look back on the last 12 months, I am forced to admit that basing a life on wishful thinking is somewhat defeatist. It’s just not realistic. Some things continue to go well, and others seem like dimly visible carrots in a far off future. I’ve had to accept that certain parts of my life need what we used to call, “special education.” Life just doesn’t go the way we want it to all the time. So why keep trying to fit a round peg in a square hole? Why not rather just appreciate the good and just release attachment to what’s not meant to be?
I will admit that this is easier said than done. You can look for (and probably find) a million reasons why you can justifiably argue that you suffer more than your fair share. But those reasons are not the Truth. The Truth only wants you to experience exactly what you need in order to learn your lessons and bring your gifts into the world. If your desires conflict with the Truth, then guess which one wins?
I’ve had an incredible series of fortunate opportunities fall in my lap over the past two decades, all from following my heart. I am SO lucky! So what is the point in dwelling on things that didn’t happen, when I have had such nice surprises with what did happen? The mind is so tricky that way.
My resolution this year is to stop making resolutions and make a Revolution instead. Because here is the Truth: where you are right now is EXACTLY where you are meant to be.
- New Year’s Revolution #1: Identify and appreciate all the good that has come your way
- New Year’s Revolution #2: LET GO of the past (mantra: May I let go of the past. Ask it as a question. May I let go of the past? Yes. You may.)
- New Year’s Revolution #3: Listen to your heart. It will lead you to the right place for YOU.
I vow to evolve according to the truth of the moment, and to accept whatever that truth is. I’ll definitely state my wishes, and aspire to be a sane and helpful agent of change in an increasingly confused world. But I will also acknowledge that some things are out of my control for now, and so sometimes the best I can do is to relax until I can do something about it.
Diary of a Pilgrim 