New Year’s Eve is two weeks from today. Some of us are looking back at the year with some regret. There were so many things we meant to do, but didn’t. Resolutions that were abandoned before the new year champagne had gone flat. Hopes that didn’t manifest, dreams that died on the vine. Losses we didn’t see coming or weren’t prepared for.
Some of us have turned our attention away from this year, shrugging it off as a lost cause, too late to redeem (sort of like my football team). We are already looking ahead at the new year, excited about a fresh start, renewing the resolutions that we will surely keep this time, eager to do better, be better.
But go back to the first sentence. We have two weeks left in this year. In horse racing, it doesn’t matter if you are first out of the gate. It doesn’t matter if you trail behind or cruise along in the middle of the pack. What matters is how you finish. The finish line is everything.
I realized this morning that I was throwing away two precious weeks, a lifetime by some measures. I have two weeks to live well, do well, be well. I have two weeks to count all the blessings of this year, to be grateful for the abundance of grace that has poured over my life. I have two weeks to feel good about what I have accomplished instead of berating myself for what I didn’t. I have two weeks to be a good friend, to listen more, to help someone. I have two weeks to love my children, to appreciate my family and friends. I have two weeks of present moments, holy instants, to savor.
It doesn’t matter if you read this post today or Dec. 31. Whatever time is left in this year, two weeks or two minutes, is ours to do with as we choose. No matter what has happened this year, we can choose to finish well.
Galen, very well said indeed! Bravo!
ReplyDeleteI guess I was just writing the rest of the year off, starting on Monday.Perhaps, I shall use the last couple weeks to count blessings.
ReplyDeleteHi Galen,
ReplyDeleteThis is a lovely article. I love the sentence "The finish line is everything." It brings everything into perspective and reminds us that finishing well is important. This is because the finish line is our goal, the very thing we were trying to reach all this while. It does not make sense to give up when we have already invested so much time and effort. It doesn't matter if things did not turn out as plan, they rarely do. What matters is that we adapt, adjust and carry on towards our goals instead of giving up.
Thank you for reminding us that the moments matter and as Rocky Balboa once said, "It ain't over till it's over."
Irving the Vizier
When I don't complete things I meant to do, I get excited. There is more adventure in the New Year! Who told us the end of the year was coming anyway? Some Ancient Roman? Every day with my friends and family is an absolute blessing. And when I look back at those who are no longer physically present during the holidays, I celebrate their lives. Christmas to me means I should be happy. I refuse to let the bed bugs bite me!
ReplyDeleteToo right, well said.
ReplyDeleteAnd, in actual fact, two weeks seem easier to deal with than 52.
Galen, since I rarely know what day it is, much less the actual date, the new year could begin tomorrow! In fact, it does!
ReplyDeleteThanks for leaving a comment on my post! Have a wonderful and meaningful Christmas!
Well said! I am going to even enjoy the thorns on every rose! ;)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic way to look at things this time of year. I think a big part of seasonal depression is that people look at the end of the year as a failure instead of a way to find a way to end the year on a high note. Your article is very timely and was just what I needed for a "kick in the pants" to keep me motivated through to the end of the race. Have a wonderful weekend!! I look forward to reading more and am now a subscriber so I won't miss a thing. :)
ReplyDeleteIsn't it interesting to see all the various ways we view the end of the year. I'm enjoying all the different perspectives. Thank you for all the comments!
ReplyDeleteGalen, This is an inspiring writing. It makes me remember some of the things that I should have done well, and give me hope that I can continue to aspire to do well, even if I haven't lived up to my own expectations.
ReplyDeleteLoral, You are exactly right. We can start right now and aspire to do well. I have mentioned before a painting I have that is titled For Today, Newly Bright. Every day is a new beginning. Thanks for commenting!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more wholeheartedly! A "year" is just an artificial construct anyway. I like your emphasis on ending well and to live fully in every single moment. Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI've always thought the comment "Can't wait for this year to be over" was redundant.
ReplyDeleteIt's not like what ever happend this year is just going to end on Dec. 31st and everything new is going to start.
I already have appts. next year that are a result of things that happened THIS year. Life doesn't end and start Jan. 1. Existance doesn't know that it's New Years and well, everyone starts ALL over on Jan. 1.
It's a good way to gauge or use Jan. 1 as a benchmark for a new eating plan, or philosophy or regiment for quitting cigarettes, that's a fact. But it all just continues on after 12:00am 1/2/11.
You don't have two weeks, you have a life time! And that's a good thing!
ryoko861--Quite right. There is no actual end and beginning. But I like the idea of ritual days. Thanksgiving, for example--a day to give thanks. Yom Kippur--a day of atonement. Easter--a day of redemption. New Year--a day to begin again. Every day, of course, is a day to begin again. Every moment, for that matter. For a lifetime, as you say, and that is indeed a good thing!
ReplyDeleteExcellent post!! Thanks for the reminder, Galen!!
ReplyDeleteYes, those ritual days are great days to reflect and think about others and ourselves for a moment and stop and smell the roses! I see what you're relaying here. You can use everyday as a beginning!
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