A family from Denmark recently moved onto my street. A couple of weeks ago, they strung up white Christmas lights along the eaves of the house and, to my surprise, have kept those lights illuminated all night, night after night.I don't know whether that's a Danish tradition—to make bright in a winter of short days and long nights--or a far-from-home family's way to cope with a new country and city. Either way, I've enjoyed the glow.
In 2012, I crave light. How am I going to get it? I'll burn gift candles rather than save them for special occasions. I'll turn on the porch light a little earlier and keep my desk lamp on a bit longer. I'm not advocating we waste electricity but want a beacon to guide me and a nightlight for security in this as-yet-unfamilar year.
More importantly, I'll pay attention to the people of bright hearts and minds who prod me to appreciate, think, and re-evaluate. Some recent blog posts stand out for me.
Before we flap our mouths, wave our hands, and make resolutions we'll accomplish reluctantly--if at all, writer and therapist Louise Behiel suggests we ask ourselves ten questions. They're the kind we usually don't face unless it's three in the morning and sleep's impossible. Here's her number eight: "What am I afraid of?" Her number nine: "What am I afraid of losing?" Number ten: "What am I afraid of gaining? What happens if my deepest desires become true? What will it cost me?" Save yourself big bucks in therapy and read Louise's post.
Emma Burcart made only one resolution for 2012, and it's one we should copy: she's going to be kinder—to herself. (Why, oh why are we women so merciless to ourselves?) Here's part of Emma's new vow: "I’m going to be like that great line from Jackie on That Seventies Show. I’m going to run down the beach into my own arms. Figuratively."
From Diane Holmes, founder of Pitch University, comes a New Year's Resolution for those of us who do not remember 2011 fondly.
In an example of the universe's synchronicity, yesterday, Jink Willis posted this quote by Susan Skye on Facebook: "You can't punish yourself into change. You can't whip yourself into shape. But you can love yourself into well-being."
Happy New Year!
