When you think of the new year, what comes to mind? A list of new resolutions you’d bet your life you’ll fail? Or a Christmas list of treasures that start with Oprah and end with book club?
This year when the shiny ball falls in Times Square, I’m going to wish for something deeper.
I had a dream a few nights ago. I dreamed that I was going through old boxes of letters. Scanning through them like there was no tomorrow, I remember telling a friend what I was doing.
“I’m decluttering,” I said. “Making amends with people who I have unfinished business with.”
My first reaction was waking up in a panic thinking, “Oh my gosh? Is this the end? Am I going to die?”
After my clearly overdramatic reaction, I realized that maybe my dream was telling me that I needed to get down to business.
I have to start making amends, having compassion, accepting so-called unhappy endings, and finally putting an end to loose ends.
In reality, the job is not so easy.
I can’t just go through a box of letters and call old friends or can I?
I’ve already sent an email to one old friend and as for the rest? Well I guess we’ll have to see.
Anyway, regardless of what we want for the new year, whether real or fantasy, there is real opportunity here. To reflect on and be grateful for the things that went well this year and to declutter, reorganize and take a deep, sometimes painful look at the odds and ends we abandoned and ignored.
So for 2010, it’s not losing weight or being a millionaire that’s topping my resolutions list (though it would be nice), but learning how to be more compassionate with others as well as myself. And to open up that box of unfinished business and get unpacking.
Starting the new year with less baggage and more room for opportunity and positive experiences, are definitely something I’m going to aspire to.
What about you?
Any business left undone? Friends who you’ve lost touch with?
If you can’t reach them personally, do so in your heart. Imagine what you would say to them. Imagine that there is suddenly peace instead of heartache. Then, wait. See what it’ll do to you.
I’m thinking it just might change your world.
Happy New Year’s everyone!
Monday, December 28th, 2009, 4:46 pm | 
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December 31, 2009 at 4:53 pm
What a profound dream. I seem to be having dreamless nights at the moment which is restful but it would be great to have a deep dream like yours. Yes, decluttering isn’t just about tidying your cupboards, it’s emotional too. I hope you can sort stuff out, get rid of what you don’t need and hang on to what you do. I hope we all can! Wishing you all the best in 2010. I think it’s going to be a great one:)
January 4, 2010 at 9:23 pm
Thanks Annabel! Hope 2010 brings you lots of happiness, joy and may all your wishes for this year come true!!
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January 5, 2010 at 7:05 pm