Happy New Year!
Like most of you I have spent the last few days reflecting upon the year that has passed and contemplating my game plan for the new year. What have I learned? What should I have done differently? What is it I want to accomplish? Where do I go from here.
I don't enter 2010 with the unabashed enthusiasm of a naive girl. I was once told that "all unhappiness is due to unrealized expectations." Rather than "expect", I look to the moment and take my joy as it is revealed; sometimes ever so slowly. With that said, I can truly say that 2009 was just fine. Oh, I had my financial woes and aches and pains and some disappointments on the job front; but, there were so many "ah ha" moments full of new understandings, new friends, new interests and the comfort of family and old friends. The days passed ever so quickly and as I look back I find many new lessons and many reminders that give me peace in my heart and comfort in my soul.
Here are some of the random thoughts that I take into 2010:
Finances
Get some. Don't spend so much.
Work
As are many Americans, I am in a "forced semi-retirement" stage. While I have been lucky to be able to hold things together and pick up an odd consulting arrangement here and there, I need to rejoin the work force.
One of my lessons learned is that one should find work - to live. For many years, I lived to work. I recall one of the last times I saw my father alive. I had gone back to Florida for a quick weekend to spend with him in his final weeks. When it came time for me to leave, I kissed him on his forehead and told him I had to get back to work. He looked at me sadly and said, "but, you don't love it. It will hurt you if you don't love it." He was so right. It does hurt you unless you find joy, fulfillment and satisfaction.
I have heard people say that we all can't have the luxury of working in a job, occupation or career that we love; choices are limited. I have learned that our choices to find something we love doing is often limited by our need and greed to consume. Less need and greed will set you free to explore other paths less laden with the things. In 2010 I will look to do something I love.
Tolerance
There is "good" tolerance and there is "bad" tolerance. Good tolerance is to recognize others' beliefs, practices, opinions without sharing them. Bad tolerance is to put up with something or someones practices which may not be ethical, moral or generally acceptable behavior.
I'm a strong believer in "agreeing to disagree" when it comes to politics, customs, religious beliefs, education, etc. I am very tolerant; it is free will and free speech (no matter how ill informed I may find it).
We should not sit quietly and tolerate bad behavior and ignorant actions. I am ever so tired of the thinly veiled racial slurs and ethnic jokes. I will not tolerate parents slapping their children in public nor will I sit quietly amidst teenage jeers and bullying of others. What happened to kindness and manners and patience and "doing unto others as you would have them do unto you?"
Friends
Friendship must be nurtured. And like most living things, some require more attention. There are friends that can be left on the window sill for weeks on end and will still greet you with a smile and in full bloom. There are those friendships that sometimes find themselves stagnant and must look beyond themselves to refresh and regenerate. We always find our way back.
I was lucky in 2009 to reconnect with some old friends and cultivate some wonderful new friends. Friendships that I need to tend to in the new year. These friends comfort me, educate me, motivate me, inspire me and make me laugh. These friends of mine are my priority in 2010.
Celebrate
To celebrate: to commemorate with ceremony or festivity. I was reminded in 2009 that one does not need to wait until Christmas or the Fourth of July to celebrate with friends and family. Each day we are given on this earth should be a celebration. Each sunrise and sunset; every "God Bless You' you hear and every "Good Morning" you are given; the smile on a child's face and the warm embrace of a friend; every blossom on the bush and every fresh pot of coffee - all are gifts and reason to celebrate.
So, I begin my celebration of the New Year. Welcome 2010 and I look forward to greeting you each and every day.
Showing posts with label friendship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friendship. Show all posts
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
At My Thanksgiving Table
On the fourth Thursday of November, each year, Americans sit down at a table with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving. The feast is endless and the drink flows freely.
At my table, among the friends and family, among the memories of those who have gone before us, I embrace some special guests.
At my table, Faith takes a seat. Faith reminds us that we should not require proof or evidence to believe in the goodness of humanity. Faith maintains that our trust, confidence and reliance in our spiritual beliefs will be rewarded with the promise.
At my table, Respect joins with arms open. Respect teaches us to consider each other and each other's beliefs with deference, courtesy and regard. Respect tells us that this regard is not to be offered just to others, but to ourselves as well.
At my table, Peace brings harmony and tranquility. Peace is so very fragile and is often not seen. But on this day of Thanksgiving, we pray for a day with peace; the absence of war and the presence of an undisturbed state of mind.
At my table, Friendship surrounds us. In Friendship we can see each other's face; warmly supportive; deeply loved; and, forever forgiving. Friendship helps us to remember that we are not alone in our endeavors and we can not achieve greatness without each other.
At my table, Hope cautions us on our expectations. Hope, in its purest form has no expectations. Hope offers us solutions. Hope inspires us. Hope brings the future to our table.
At my table, Patience steadies us. The stresses and tediousness of our lives often leads us to forget patience. Patience gives us strength, fortitude and stoicism to endure.
At my table, Charity prevails. Charity lights our love for humankind. With charity we can lighten our hearts with benevolence, affection and goodwill. Charity does not judge others.
At my table, Forgiveness asks us to forgo our anger. In forgiveness we can give up our resentment and eliminate our desire to punish. And like Respect, Forgiveness reminds us that it not just for others; we must learn to use forgiveness for ourselves.
At this season of Thanksgiving, I pray that these guests come to my table each and every day. I pray that they can find a seat at yours as well.
At my table, among the friends and family, among the memories of those who have gone before us, I embrace some special guests.
At my table, Faith takes a seat. Faith reminds us that we should not require proof or evidence to believe in the goodness of humanity. Faith maintains that our trust, confidence and reliance in our spiritual beliefs will be rewarded with the promise.
At my table, Respect joins with arms open. Respect teaches us to consider each other and each other's beliefs with deference, courtesy and regard. Respect tells us that this regard is not to be offered just to others, but to ourselves as well.
At my table, Peace brings harmony and tranquility. Peace is so very fragile and is often not seen. But on this day of Thanksgiving, we pray for a day with peace; the absence of war and the presence of an undisturbed state of mind.
At my table, Friendship surrounds us. In Friendship we can see each other's face; warmly supportive; deeply loved; and, forever forgiving. Friendship helps us to remember that we are not alone in our endeavors and we can not achieve greatness without each other.
At my table, Hope cautions us on our expectations. Hope, in its purest form has no expectations. Hope offers us solutions. Hope inspires us. Hope brings the future to our table.
At my table, Patience steadies us. The stresses and tediousness of our lives often leads us to forget patience. Patience gives us strength, fortitude and stoicism to endure.
At my table, Charity prevails. Charity lights our love for humankind. With charity we can lighten our hearts with benevolence, affection and goodwill. Charity does not judge others.
At my table, Forgiveness asks us to forgo our anger. In forgiveness we can give up our resentment and eliminate our desire to punish. And like Respect, Forgiveness reminds us that it not just for others; we must learn to use forgiveness for ourselves.
At this season of Thanksgiving, I pray that these guests come to my table each and every day. I pray that they can find a seat at yours as well.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Mimosa Sunday
Many moons and mango seasons ago in a kingdom called the Florida Keys a group of laudable salespeople gathered on the lawn of the Casa Marina. They had gone for brunch and stayed for Happy Hour. Little did they know at the time, but they had launched a tradition forever to be called "Mimosa Sunday."
As the crowd of brunchers began to scatter, a handful of people began congregating at a single table. "More champagne!" was the cry. The hotel workers began breaking down tables around them. A few more people pulled up chairs and grabbed a glass. "A little ice, three-thirds champagne and a wee bit of orange juice just for color."
The previous evening had been a blow out. People were dancing and jumping; doing the "gator" on the floor and a conga line that went through the hotel kitchen. "Shout" became the victory song. After the fifteenth time played, the band begged for a break; and hotel guests complained.
Memories of the evening were the topic of conversation around the Mimosa-drinking gathering. As the afternoon went on, others would approach - "you are all still here?" "Pull up a chair." "A little ice, three-thirds champagne and a wee bit of orange juice just for color." People left, but somehow would return. Mimosas and laughter and beautiful Florida sun and sky. . .
Some fast and long friendships were made that afternoon. It was agreed that the gathering would be an official "event" for the following year's meeting. And so it was. The meeting planners were sent to scope out the perfect venue for "Mimosa Sunday." The founders, reluctantly allowed Bloody Mary's. The guest list grew as people begged for a seat at the table.
The tradition survived and spread near and far. It was a glorious, December, Florida day in 1985. And as on most Sundays, accompanied by a Mimosa, the memory is vivid; and I smile.
Remember: a little ice, three-thirds champagne and a wee bit of orange juice just for color.
As the crowd of brunchers began to scatter, a handful of people began congregating at a single table. "More champagne!" was the cry. The hotel workers began breaking down tables around them. A few more people pulled up chairs and grabbed a glass. "A little ice, three-thirds champagne and a wee bit of orange juice just for color."
The previous evening had been a blow out. People were dancing and jumping; doing the "gator" on the floor and a conga line that went through the hotel kitchen. "Shout" became the victory song. After the fifteenth time played, the band begged for a break; and hotel guests complained.
Memories of the evening were the topic of conversation around the Mimosa-drinking gathering. As the afternoon went on, others would approach - "you are all still here?" "Pull up a chair." "A little ice, three-thirds champagne and a wee bit of orange juice just for color." People left, but somehow would return. Mimosas and laughter and beautiful Florida sun and sky. . .
Some fast and long friendships were made that afternoon. It was agreed that the gathering would be an official "event" for the following year's meeting. And so it was. The meeting planners were sent to scope out the perfect venue for "Mimosa Sunday." The founders, reluctantly allowed Bloody Mary's. The guest list grew as people begged for a seat at the table.
The tradition survived and spread near and far. It was a glorious, December, Florida day in 1985. And as on most Sundays, accompanied by a Mimosa, the memory is vivid; and I smile.
Remember: a little ice, three-thirds champagne and a wee bit of orange juice just for color.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Picking up where we left off
I was fortuate to spend some time with some old, dear friends this weekend. It is such a comfort to know that friendship can survive through the years without the necessity of daily contact (with even several years in between).
Maybe we start yawing earlier in the evening than we used to; maybe we can't drink as much wine as we used to; our memory may not be as sharp as it used to be, but even if the memory evades us, the feelings remain. We've been through many life changing events together and we may have, perhaps, missed a few in between, but the empathy, respect and console remain.
Someone once told me that I "collect people". At first I thought that the comment was negative and then she continued to tell me that it was an admirable trait. I don't collect people to show them off, I collect people to share with; to laugh with; to cry with; and, to be with. People that share my many moods and eclectic tastes. Bringing different people together and facilitating conversation and sharing is my joy.
I'm known to introduce the same people to each other several times during the course of the evening. I get lost in the excitement of sharing the people around me. Introducing people to people and people to events and people to ideas and people to music and people to art and people to food and people to wine. . . . . . .and pets and places and books and me. . . it is an adventure that brightens my heart, my soul and my mind.
I believe in creating memories and lasting friendships. Social media is a great help to keeping in touch. My sister tells me just pick up the phone; there are not enough hours in the day to speak to everyone as frequently as I can share, and you can share, through Facebook.
It indeed keeps us connected so we may pick up where we left off when we do get some moments together; the circle of friends light the way.
Maybe we start yawing earlier in the evening than we used to; maybe we can't drink as much wine as we used to; our memory may not be as sharp as it used to be, but even if the memory evades us, the feelings remain. We've been through many life changing events together and we may have, perhaps, missed a few in between, but the empathy, respect and console remain.
Someone once told me that I "collect people". At first I thought that the comment was negative and then she continued to tell me that it was an admirable trait. I don't collect people to show them off, I collect people to share with; to laugh with; to cry with; and, to be with. People that share my many moods and eclectic tastes. Bringing different people together and facilitating conversation and sharing is my joy.
I'm known to introduce the same people to each other several times during the course of the evening. I get lost in the excitement of sharing the people around me. Introducing people to people and people to events and people to ideas and people to music and people to art and people to food and people to wine. . . . . . .and pets and places and books and me. . . it is an adventure that brightens my heart, my soul and my mind.
I believe in creating memories and lasting friendships. Social media is a great help to keeping in touch. My sister tells me just pick up the phone; there are not enough hours in the day to speak to everyone as frequently as I can share, and you can share, through Facebook.
It indeed keeps us connected so we may pick up where we left off when we do get some moments together; the circle of friends light the way.
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