Check out last year on this day:
http://carolesharpless.blogspot.com/2010/01/boulder-beer-mile.html
The Beer Mile crazy spectacle aside, I love this day because I have a fascination with transition.
And if December 31st is not a transition day I don't know what is. I have a ritual on this day, maybe because I'm a writer and most writers seem to have rituals for everything important. On the last day of the year, I take stock and look forward, all at once.
I began my morning with some quiet time in pajamas and Ugg boots by the fire pit at my condo. The chill of the outdoors was leveled by the fire ... surrounded by the glorious mountains in the background, and my steaming mug of coffee in hand - I was content. As I inhaled the morning's crisp air, I began making my gratitude list - all the things I am grateful for in 2010. I can't seem to travel into a new year until I have paid proper homage to the one I am leaving behind. My gratitude list is long and detailed. I particularly like to say thank you for the things that normally go unnoticed, or for the things that normally elicit grumbling rather than gratitude. These things all made my list.
It's too overwhelming to me to look a brand new year square in the face. I need to break it down into bite-sized portions. I used to do the same thing with an Ironman; I simply could not fathom the distance intellectually, so I made mile markers in my mind to make the race more attainable (instead of one looming finish line, I need several more moderate ones).
I have to make mile markers in my life for the same reason.
So what began with gratitude then moved to a sneak peek at what I'd like to be grateful for on this day next year. Many of the things were the same, so it appears endurance continues to be an ongoing theme. But there were other things, things that stretch me and possibly require more than I am equipped for right now. I continue to challenge myself not to shrink from fear but to head straight into it, fighting and clawing until I somehow reach the other side.
It was an interesting assessment. My list ranged from shoulds like mammograms and the way I want to be a friend, to edging outside my comfort zone (says the woman who likes flannel jammies with Ugg boots by the fire) and trying things that are clearly marked 'too hard for me.' I remember when I was a woman who worked in a cube. At a management-mandated self-improvement class they said that when you write something down, it has 90% greater likelihood of coming true. This philosophy apparently did not apply in high school when I mindlessly doodled my initials plus the cute guy that I'd met, but I remain optimistic. I am writing it all down. Especially the things that I would rather leave blank.
And then I went running along my favorite trail in Boulder. The New Year has to start clean, and we all know that a good sweat is essential for cleanliness. I took a long and winding route nestled in the canyons. While I ran, I tried to free my thoughts to match my stride, like a big tangled ball of yarn was unraveling inside me.
I hope you have a chance to soak in this precious transition day, whether it's actually today or sometime before the new year gets any serious traction. I hope you make time for a New Year's run, the kind that flushes out your legs and lungs, and clears your head to meet the year with hopeful anticipation. I wish you the finest blessings and a voice to carry the quiet desires of your heart.
Thank you for running the proverbial miles with me.
Carole :)
I began my morning with some quiet time in pajamas and Ugg boots by the fire pit at my condo. The chill of the outdoors was leveled by the fire ... surrounded by the glorious mountains in the background, and my steaming mug of coffee in hand - I was content. As I inhaled the morning's crisp air, I began making my gratitude list - all the things I am grateful for in 2010. I can't seem to travel into a new year until I have paid proper homage to the one I am leaving behind. My gratitude list is long and detailed. I particularly like to say thank you for the things that normally go unnoticed, or for the things that normally elicit grumbling rather than gratitude. These things all made my list.
It's too overwhelming to me to look a brand new year square in the face. I need to break it down into bite-sized portions. I used to do the same thing with an Ironman; I simply could not fathom the distance intellectually, so I made mile markers in my mind to make the race more attainable (instead of one looming finish line, I need several more moderate ones).
I have to make mile markers in my life for the same reason.
So what began with gratitude then moved to a sneak peek at what I'd like to be grateful for on this day next year. Many of the things were the same, so it appears endurance continues to be an ongoing theme. But there were other things, things that stretch me and possibly require more than I am equipped for right now. I continue to challenge myself not to shrink from fear but to head straight into it, fighting and clawing until I somehow reach the other side.
It was an interesting assessment. My list ranged from shoulds like mammograms and the way I want to be a friend, to edging outside my comfort zone (says the woman who likes flannel jammies with Ugg boots by the fire) and trying things that are clearly marked 'too hard for me.' I remember when I was a woman who worked in a cube. At a management-mandated self-improvement class they said that when you write something down, it has 90% greater likelihood of coming true. This philosophy apparently did not apply in high school when I mindlessly doodled my initials plus the cute guy that I'd met, but I remain optimistic. I am writing it all down. Especially the things that I would rather leave blank.
And then I went running along my favorite trail in Boulder. The New Year has to start clean, and we all know that a good sweat is essential for cleanliness. I took a long and winding route nestled in the canyons. While I ran, I tried to free my thoughts to match my stride, like a big tangled ball of yarn was unraveling inside me.
I hope you have a chance to soak in this precious transition day, whether it's actually today or sometime before the new year gets any serious traction. I hope you make time for a New Year's run, the kind that flushes out your legs and lungs, and clears your head to meet the year with hopeful anticipation. I wish you the finest blessings and a voice to carry the quiet desires of your heart.
Thank you for running the proverbial miles with me.
Carole :)
8 comments:
Great post Carole!
You really got me thinking about writing my own list down but more importantly you got me thinking about running out and getting a beer!
Beer and reflection always seem to go hand and hand huh?
Happy New Years to you!
Happy New Year MB! I love the reflections of gratitude - I think I really need that this year especially.
I have been working on my gratitude list. So much love and support to be thankful for this year. Happy almost New Year.
"But there were other things, things that stretch me and possibly require more than I am equipped for right now. I continue to challenge myself not to shrink from fear but to head straight into it, fighting and clawing until I somehow reach the other side."
= awesome
great idea Carole! Our lives are special because of the people who are in them. I am grateful for your friendship. Happy New Year.
:) Son
Happy new year MB!
I spent the day saying goodbye to college football. Starting clean on the 3rd.
Love this post... and lists of things we're thankful for. You're a beautiful writer, Carole. Wishing you a very happy New Year!!!
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