Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Reflections on Life

The New Year is nearly upon me.  I am always surprised by how fast the old year went by.  My days seem to run together... where did they go? 

My mind travels in strange patterns this time of the year.  I find myself missing those who have journeyed on from this life to the next.  I allow myself to feel regret at what was, what wasn't, and what will never be.  A life not lived to the fullest, feels like a life not lived at all.  Night dreams have been haunting me with hopes just out of reach... roads not taken... and roads I wish I'd never taken.  There is a sorrow in saying goodbye to the past that leaves an ache in my throat and in my heart.  Fighting to hold back tears I sit with it for a time, that burning ache, and then I let it go. 

Memories will revisit me again, but for now I lay the past down.  I gaze toward the future, but it is unclear, hazy, hidden in clouds of uncertainty.  The best thing, the only thing, is to live this day.  This beautiful day full of hope and promise.  When I am in the moment, there is no room for doubt, regret, or fear.  There is just thankfulness for everything I see.  Family, friends, and a beautiful world which, on this morning, is covered in a blanket of freshly fallen snow. 

As I leave you to go make myself a cup of hot tea, I hope you are releasing the old... not fretting over tomorrow... but living this moment, with your whole heart.



Copyright 12/30/2009 ajj

5 comments:

Donna said...

What a lovely post. We can mourn the past roads not taken, but it is better to live today with joy and wonder what adventures are ahead. Looking back over the past year and the past decade, I could have never, ever predicted what would transpire. We grow, we learn, we carry on. Each day we have here on earth is blessed!

Carol Woolum Roberts said...

One of my prayers for the New Year is that our paths will cross and we will get to spend a nice afternoon together visiting. I love you, dear friend, and pray you have a wonderful New Year!!

Paula ~ castleandcottagesigns said...

Such sweet sentiments.. I cannot help but be overwhelmed with joy that a new year is beginning. So much hope in that it will be the best year yet.
A very Happy New Year to you!
paula:)

Donna said...

I cry too...It's been a "different" Christmas this year...I was not as happy...
But here comes a New year and new chances...(((HUG)))

Nita Jo said...

Thanks all! It has certainly been a year of change and reflection. Actually for me it started in the year 2000. It's been a decade of adjustments.

Love to each one of you! Here's to spending time together online and in person (SVG), and making the most of every day we are given!