I love to celebrate, and what better reason than the ending of a year? Regardless of our family’s many faiths, or lack of any, the year is rendering its last few gasps.
My next Holiday event, this one the Hanukkah/Christmas party, is coming soon. In the midst of my planning, I pause and ponder. This departing year, what was it like? For me, there was a bit of everything. Great joy at the birth of a new great-grandchild, aching sorrow at the death of yet another old friend. Frustration filled me when I was told that some of my age-related problems were here to stay. The tension caused by this news eased when I admitted to myself that most of my health problems are being well managed, if not cured!
All this musing sent my mind back to our last Writing Class. A colleague introduced us to a quotation he had discovered:
“It is not because things are difficult, that we don’t dare; it is because we don’t dare that they are difficult.” (Seneca the Younger, 5BC to 65 AD)
This jarred me into wondering, “Were my difficulties this year caused mainly because I was afraid to tackle them? If I had ‘dared,’ as Seneca put it, and faced my problems head on, would solutions have surfaced earlier?”
I can’t rewrite the past, only learn from it. Just to be on the safe side, I’ll tuck this latest bit of learning in my arsenal for the future. My intention is from now on to: Address difficult situations realistically. Do it as soon as these arise. It will then be easier to determine if a solution is possible, or if acceptance must be my response.
Looks good on paper. The test will be putting it into practice. If I can succeed, even occasionally, time wasted mulling over “What to do?” will be saved. I’m ready now to meet the New Year. So – Join me! ’Tis the Season, and I’m in a cheering mood! I’ve had one more wonderful year savouring life, and have lived it with joy. How can I be this lucky?
Whatever Holiday you’re honouring, may the path ahead be intriguing, smooth, and very much worth travelling.
Another lovely post. Well said Marjorie, and timely food for thought. Thank you and Merry Christmas
Thank you, Liz – and a merry and healthy Christmas to you.
Thank you Marj. Such wisdom to ponder. Happy Christmas to you and best wishes for the New Year.
Morag – Always nice to hear from one of the old Esso group. Glad you enjoyed the article. Best wishes back to you and your family this holiday season.
Another great lesson for us “younger” folk, Mrs. G.
Merry Christmas! Ian
Ian – You “younger” folk are getting older by the year, just as we really old are! Funny thing though, no matter what the age, it seems there is still something to learn. I am often surprised what the day brings. If this little essay is of some use, it is worth the effort. Take the new year on with gusto, who knows what it might produce.
Food for thought indeed! I will put this gem into practice during the coming months.
Merry Christmas and a Happy healthy New Year!
Good for you, Jean – I’ll be trying to do so also. May your Christmas be merry.
What splendid advice, Marjorie! I intend to act on it immediately. Many thanks and a very Happy Christmas and Blessed New Year.
I’m impressed, and pleased, Laurna. Thank you. Your reaction is encouraging. May 2015 surprise and challenge us all.
Merry Christmas from mine to you and yours.
Another year, Thom – I end up counting them like jewels (no pun intended). All the best to you and the clan, as Christmas comes, passes, and another year arrives.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas Marjorie from ‘your’ prairie.
Love Leigh and Yvonne
Yvonne – Nice for me to know you are following my blog, and hope you enjoy it. By the way, the beautiful winter picture of your home, I have shown it all around, and especially to those who think there is no beauty on the prairies! Thank you so much for sending it.
You say you’ve had one more wonderful year savouring life, and have lived it with joy. Not half an hour ago, I read this quote from murder mystery writer John D. MacDonald:
“Today, my friends, we each have one day less, every one of us. And joy is the only thing that slows the clock.”
A big hug and Merry Christmas, dear Marjorie. YOU bring me joy knowing you are well and happy. A hug, too, for Isabel is she is there with you!
Barbara – I’m searching for words. It is with amusement and surprise that it appears I’m of the same opinion as the author of murder mysteries. The more the merrier I guess. Life should be enjoyed whenever possible, by all, even fiction writers. Thanks for your good wishes.
Thank you, Marjorie; good advice. It is good to know you had a good year. May 2015 find you richly blessed, as my mother would say. Love, Norma
Good to hear from you, Norma. Should I be able to follow my own ideas, life may, for me, work more smoothly. Remember though, everyone is different. It seems that life never has a “one size fits all” way of operating. We have to take new ideas and consider them critically – then use them, alter them or discard them – according to our lives and needs. It’s like eating cherries. We pick the ones that look the best and try them.
Marjorie, thank you for your year end letter. It’s so inspiring. I’m taking advantage of this space, as I don’t have your email address. This is not so inspiring.
“A gentle rain falls; the sky is grey; the trees are bare and there is a surprising silence as we move toward celebrating the birth and rebirth of new life. Our hearts remember past Christmases, family gatherings, and those who won’t be with us this year. But, still we’ll gather to worship, prepare our homes and welcome those who will share our tables. May you know rich blessings. Love, Eleanor. “
Yes, Eleanor – and aren’t we fortunate for the many happy and positive memories we recall! Not every one is so blessed. May 2015 unfold as you wish. I’ll meet you at church.