As I sit perched at the start of a new year, I can’t help but feel curious, optimistic, and a little anxious all at the same time about the 365 days ahead.
Will this be the year I publish the book I’ve been giving birth to for over 3 years? In the upcoming 8765.81 hours, will I put down some roots for me and my furry family or move for the third time in five years? After being single for 6 years, will I know the rush of falling in love in the next 31,536,000 seconds? Who knows? I sure don’t, but I can tell you that I am open to possibility.
I’m not big on planning. I do believe in holding loose goals, but I also believe that I have to remain flexible enough to respond to whatever actually arise along the way. That means that sometimes I have to zig when I thought I was going to zag to reach a goal or even change the end goal completely as makes sense within the surprises of the unfolding reality.
I’ve learned never to judge a situation as good or bad when it first presents itself whether it’s getting a “no” when I wanted a “yes” or my landlord telling me they’re not renewing my lease. The circumstances themselves are neither. Whether anything is good or bad is determined by my thinking and how I manage and move through the situation. There is always a benefit or, at least, a lesson to be found in any situation if I look hard enough. Once I recognize the plus side of something that could have been viewed as a calamity, it becomes what my friend calls a “happy accident.”
Life has a way of bringing a lot of happy accidents within a short period sometimes. I’ve seen the same friend meet the love of her life, get married, and open a yoga studio in little more than a year. To do this, she had to move to a different state leaving friends, a job, and a home she had known for over a decade. Another friend met someone, got married, had a baby, and started a business out of her home again in a little over a year.
I’m willing to bet that neither of them planned on the events that unfolded. They stayed open and willing to work with what arose, welcomed it as if they had chosen it, and took the risks to allow the benefits to happen. That’s the key to happiness and success in any situation in my opinion. Taking what is before you and making it work for you. (See blog: One little Question)
While I don’t see a wedding in my future – ever, I am willing to venture out of my comfort zone, take some risks, zig and zag, and see what happy accidents arise in the new year. Even if I don’t fall in love or publish a book, I will find joy in the every day whether it’s a cat curling up on my lap, taking a nap in the sun, or a particularly yummy yoga class.
It’s up to me, and it’s all good. Let’s do this!
image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rabanito/
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6 Comments
Hey Debbie – we never know what’s going to happen in the future. I think being open, accepting and living in the present moment will make whatever comes our way a pleasant surprise (or a growth-oriented moment) I think you hit the nail on the head though by point out that events by themselves are neither good or bad – it all has to do with our perspective. Wishing you much writing inspiration in the new year.
Happy New Year, Vishnu! Here’s to us both having lots of happy accidents in the days ahead! 🙂
And I am sure 2015 is going to be a fabulous year for you, Debbie! Taking it as it comes is often the best way! Looking forward to seeing your book! 🙂
I have found that no matter what happens, my experience is what I make of it with my attitude. Thank goodness, I’ve learned to ask myself, “How do I make this work for me?” Does the trick every time! 🙂 All the best to you in the year ahead.
I’m not much of a planner either, Debbie, but I do agree with you about living with an open mind and taking whatever comes our way with grace and gratitude! Wish you a wonderful year ahead. May the Universe bring you all you need in 2015!
Thanks much, Corrine. May the year ahead have lots of happy accidents for both of us! 🙂