One of my greatest fears is that I will sleepwalk through my life, only to figure out at the end of my days that I did it wrong. I wasted an opportunity. Maybe I’ll realize I played by the wrong rules, worked hard to get to pointless places, or simply failed to fully appreciate the gifts that were showered on me: the people who love me, the quiet of my patio, the chance to have a picnic in the nearby mountains, time out for music. A slow read of a good book. A movie, designed to inspire. A gallery, just an hour away, that I’ve been telling people about for ten years, and have probably not visited in the same amount of time. A walk through the oasis that is The Indian Canyons.
I’ve been remiss. The new year brings a desire for change, a resolve to do better. I’m not sure how, but I’m taking the first step: my eyes are open now.
I’m reminded of a passage from Gilead by Marilynne Robinson:
This is an interesting planet. It deserves all the attention you can give it,” says the character John Ames. “I know this is all apparition compared to what awaits us, but it is only lovelier for that. There is a human beauty in it…I don’t imagine any reality putting this one in the shade entirely…”
Happy New Year, my friends.
Love this inspiring post, Lynne, a great reminder that the best things in life are not things but the people and natural beauty that surrounds us daily. Happy New Year, my dear friend.
Lynne – yes, I also feel the need to step it up a little; time is becoming more and more precious with each passing year; I want to bring more ‘being’ into my ‘doing.’ And I am also wondering how I can make the most difference by focusing on what’s most important…. looking forward to a week of getting clear and writing it all down.
BTW, were you ever in Highland County, VA to promote your book Dakota Blues?
No, but looking at your blog, I think I need to. Beautiful!
You are one of the conscious ones. Thank you for waking us up, on many levels.
Takes one to know one, Glory.
Yes, Lynne, I do believe that you struck a chord. I suppose I’m at that stage in life where I have stopped wanting to collect more things or even money, and simply want more time. More time to reflect and explore the creative side of my soul. But, work is necessary, so I plug on. My determination this year is to give work its due, but also to make time for self-improvement and creative pursuits.
Best wishes for a happy and blessed New Year!
Same to you, Endless. It does seem that time is the great luxury, isn’t it. That, and silence.
I can see I’ve hit a chord, everyone. I wanted to get back with you and discuss this more but Santa brought me the flu, so I haven’t had much energy to visit with you. I think a lump of coal would have been better. What a crank sense of humor that dude has. Anyway, happy New Year and best wishes!
When my husband retires at the end of January, we’ll be facing a major change around our house. I’m planning on taking advantage of more “together” time by doing more, seeing more, savoring more. Mindfulness is the word that describes my intentions (and it sounds like yours too).
Nice. Same to you, Lynne. I don’t count on anything awaiting me. This is the life, and I hate to waste any of it. Let’s get top it…
I agree. No long list of new depressing resolutions. The Engineer and I are already doing the things that matter most to us.
Like. Now I’m going to plan that return trip to New Orleans.
Yes, it’s that time of year again. I no longer make lists but I do strive to improve on the previous year. I do like your idea of not sleepwalking through life. Must become more aware this year. Thanks for the reminder.
Wonderful post Lynne. You are not alone in having these thoughts. Inspiring post.
I have learned over the last several years to slow down and enjoy some of the same things you mention in the article. I also found that when something “special” is happening,I actually tell myself,”this is one of those moments to remember!” and it works! Happy 2014!
We all go through periods of sleep walking. When we wake up from those times, our eyes are wide open as are our hearts. Life becomes filled with joy. Happy New Year to you, too.
You spoke my words, Lynne. I am NOT going to sleepwalk through 2014. It’s well past time to pay attention! I feel just a bit excited about it.
You seem wide awake to me, but I am a late bloomer.
You bring up one of my life-long fears, as well, Lynne: getting to the end days and wishing I had done better. Or at least to have taken advantage of the possibilities around me. In the next twelve months I am going to pack it in, pack it up and embark on my next great adventure. I have no idea what/where/how this will transpire but past experience tells me that getting into action is the first step to making things shift. I’m excited. Thank you for the reminder!
I have similar thoughts Lynne, and wonder whether they aren’t just subconscious reminders to look around, breathe slower, push a little less hard and take in a little bit more. But doing your life wrong? I highly doubt that. 😉