Keep on Keeping on

It was Christmas morn. We were energized after reaching the final refrain of the Christmas Carol. Although home awaited us with all the festivity of the season we paused at a nearby park, a favorite of ours. Peering through the windshield, the field was calm, cloaked in dormant sienna and gray. Bright sun and shadow highlighted barren branch as the blistery winds blew. Geese flew swiftly through a cloudless cerulean sky. All was so peaceful. The day was much like other times when we stopped by.

Some days later anticipation mounted around the television, all eyes waiting for the New York ball to drop. It was the beginning of another year. Earth had again whirled through its seasons. Stepping aside from this gaiety, I glanced out the window. Clear sky boasted midnight blue with scattered sparkle of distant star. The evening was frosty and still, moving slowly towards the coming morning beams.

It was all so ordinary.

Yet, in heralding in the New Year, many aspire to greater things, embracing thoughts of grand endeavors. Others make huge promises. I have to include myself. After all, a fresh start has been granted. Getting caught up in this fervor, I loaded my journal with abundant possibilities - so many activities to anticipate and so many to accomplish.

There was one previous year that comes to mind. It was during those demanding college days that my ‘to do’ list unfolded like a scroll onto the ground. That first semester would boast more credits as well as increased hours at my drugstore job. The latter would pay for these extra hours and allow me to find a better apartment. Summer course work would be added that might press to an earlier graduation. And of course I would finish the novel I had started and exhibit a number of watercolor paintings that would be delightfully framed. But I couldn’t leave out my health, so I would eat well and sign-up at the school gym.

I had to catch my breath.

Within a few weeks my anxiety level escalated, days and nights blurred, usual sleeping and eating routines were overlooked. Every twenty-four hours was a race to an elusive finish line that was continuously cloaked in heavy fog. I grew bone weary, finally dragging myself to the bench. I threw off the jogging shoes and swiped my sweaty forehead.

Change. I wanted it all. I had pictured myself bursting through the tape at the finish line. Instead every single rock tripped me up.

Standing on the steps of the campus hall, I looked around. Although it was still winter, the sun felt warm and the snow was melting. The ground was softening and a delightful earthy musk filled my being. The heaviness of heart lifted as fresh insight grasped me. In realizing achievement, small steps are necessary. And like the harbinger of Spring, it would come, slow and deliberate.

Rallying, I double tied the laces on my sneakers. In shaping new behavior, daily discipline and dedication is essential. Along with such effort, embracing a good attitude is also a must—as a well as a generous sprinkling of patience. For these actions will necessitate practice so as to become a steady inclination, smooth and seamless – just like knowing when to jog or sprint.

Every day of the year, and hopefully those to come, is a gift to us. Personally none of us created them, but we can fashion a response that is reasonable, heartening and satisfying. And decide what to do no matter what season is happening. So whether you figure a life upgrade on January 1st or in July, use patience and persistence to bring about a better you.

Blessings in whatever you choose and keep a smile in your heart.

…and that’s how I live it.

Enjoy some favorites from Dr. Seuss

“Today you are you! That is truer that true. There is no one alive who is truer that you!

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”