I finished 2013 softly. Family, friends, the occasional peek at Facebook, an informal spread of tasty treats, great conversation, good music, some visual entertainment; I didn’t plan, and it wasn’t at all organized, and delightfully it all fell into place quite easily. It wasn’t elaborate. It wasn’t noisy. It wasn’t stressful. At 8 minutes to midnight, guests had already gone, one partner was already headed to bed. The New Year arrived softly, with a hug, a kiss, and soft laughter about being cool with going to bed before midnight.
Moments before midnight, the neighbors reminded the world they exist, with a wasteful display of ordnance fired over the rooftops. I generally don’t mind that sort of thing, myself, but it drives the dogs mad with stress. The household was no longer on the verge of sleep. The flurry of activity involved with pacifying the startled canines roused the household, put everyone on alert, and delayed sleep a bit. The house quieted down quickly afterward, and 2013 was over.
It’s a new year.
I woke early, around 4:00 am. The idea of getting up at 4:00 am after going to sleep sometime after midnight didn’t make sense. I went back to sleep. I woke again, around 5:30 am. I made the same decision without really waking up completely. I finally woke, slowly unfolding to a truly waking consciousness, aware that it was a new day. It was 7:00 am. I could have slept longer… only… 2014!! 😀
My intention was to spend the initial hour or so of this new day, new year, new beginning in solitary contemplation of … stuff. I’m glad I didn’t set expectations with myself about when, precisely, that might happen. lol.
Today, I’ll be taking some time to consider the New Year, to consider what I want out of my life, how to best become the woman I most want to be, and to set new goals and priorities. I do it every year, on New Year’s Day. This year, I do it mindfully, with self-compassion, and a foundation of contentment.
Okay, 2014 – let’s see what you’ve got!
No rush… there are 364 days before 2015!
Evening Light 