new year

New thoughts for a new year

| Chris

Is it too late for a resolution? Not that it matters, really, as I have no intention of making one now. However, I have experienced and learned simple things in the past few years that has made me think about how easily we can take things for granted. Simple things which can enable the quality of our lives to improve greatly, if only we’re constantly aware of them. Little things like smiling at strangers, driving slowly, overlooking what seems to appear like an insult, dancing in the shower and smelling the morning air (indeed, one of the perks of living in the sticks is having breathable air).

We don’t necessarily have to go to extremes to change our lives for the better. All there is to it is simply being mindful of the condition of our hearts, at all times. Things don’t always go our way, but we can learn to adopt in an imperfect world by realizing we’re no better either and that we don’t deserve what we already have now. An attitude of gratitude really goes a long way. It cures us of depression and loneliness, it allows us to forgive and grants us freedom from within. Sometimes, life gets difficult and when there seems to be nothing to be grateful for, the challenge is to keep looking, anyway. For the truth is, that the blessings are always there, whether or not we see it.

Speaking of which… how could it be so hard to feel blessed right now, in light of the current devastation and enormous loss of life in Haiti? That could’ve involved you and me.

Anyhow, I thought it would be good, for me anyway, to spell those little things out and write about them, every now and then. It will be a good reminder for me that there are things I ought to put in practice, on a daily basis. These are things that I want to implement in my everyday living, starting this year. That’s right, there’s always room for improvement. And the road may be a long one, but the journey has already  begun.

All is quiet

| Chris

Happy new year, everybody. I’m grateful to be kept in good company by fellow bloggers like you, during these past few months. Now, I look forward to an even more meaningful interaction this year.

Meanwhile, I’d like to start us all with a little vintage U2 action, if I may. This video (and song) may not be the most uplifting pick for the occasion, I know; yet the snow and the deafening silence couldn’t make it any more real and honest, in my case. Though, more importantly, it ROCKS!

Today is, indeed, very different from the firecracker noise and smoke-filled skies, I’m so used to. No doubt about it, all is quiet on new year’s day. At least, in my neck of the woods, it is.

However, not to burst Bono’s bubble… some things do change, apparently.

2007 is blowing in the wind

| Chris

I got up out of bed this morning to the relentless howling of the wind pounding on my windows. As if it was my usual alarm clock trying to tell me, I’m late. Suddenly, my groggy brain was bombarded with strange early morning questions, like…

Late for what? I’m on vacation, as far as I can remember.

So, curious as a cat, I put on a ski jacket and bravely opened my front door to see if the neighborhood was still intact. The raging wind was so determined to not let me peek outside, that I had to fight my way out the door. Why? I mean, I had to push like a maniac, for crying out loud! This is nuts!

I stood outside the porch for a minute just to start my day with some fresh air in my lungs (while holding on to the rails, of course). And then, I realized, it’s the morning of new year’s eve. The last day of the year 2007. I was a bit taken aback by this thought.

Already?

I haven’t even started the year yet, I pondered. No, I mean it. It feels like this year was mercilessly wasted. Like, you know… I could’ve done so many things, but I didn’t. I hate to say it but this year for me is the year of the Shoulda Coulda Woulda. I shoulda, I coulda, I woulda. But I didn’t.

Why, Chris? Why didn’t you?

I have to forgive myself for this, lest, 2008 might not be any different.

Anyhow, it’s getting a bit nippy out there, but I had to take one last look outside, as the year comes to an end. It wasn’t the year I was hoping for, but I have to say, that 2007 has been good to me, nevertheless. It could’ve been worse, indeed. Even though, there were things I wish I could have resolved; things I could have answered. Oh well, it would all have to wait for now, as this year is about to go away forever. Right now, I just want to savor the last day of the year. I want to be grateful for what it’s been. Good or bad. And, I want to hear it, as it bids its last goodbye.

Can you hear it? 2007 is blowing in the wind.

And, that could very well be the answer, my friend.