By: Lora Wimsatt
Now that we’ve completed the 12 days of Christmas … it’s time to look forward to 2013, with all its promises and challenges. So what does the New Year of “Thirteen” offer? Well …
T – Time. Clean slate, fresh start – all those clichés are true. It’s not just about making resolutions. The new year is simply an ideal opportunity to consider how we are spending our time, both on a day-to-day basis and as part of the “big picture.” What are the things that really matter? What – and who – is most important? Is the amount of time we spend on activities … and people … proportionate to how much we value them?
H – Home is where the heart is. But are we there too? For those employed outside the home, it sometimes feels like we spend more time at work than we do at home. But even in our “off hours,” where do we choose to be? If we find ourselves admitting there are places we’d rather be other than home … our next question must surely be “Why?” Life is short (see “Time” above). There is no better investment of our time than to ensure that “home” is a sanctuary from the real world, the place we would rather be more than anywhere else. And it’s not someone else’s job to make it that way: It’s up to us.
I – Interests. Now that we’ve talked about using our time wisely and the value of ensuring that our homes are first on the list of where we want to be … it’s also important to recognize that outside interests add many positive benefits to our lives. Fellowship with friends and extended family, watching our favorite teams compete, exploring hobbies and gathering with others who share those interests … all these things enrich our lives and make each one of us the best “me” we can be!
R – Rest. Sure, it’s important to spend time with family, friends and interests. But don’t neglect the lesson shared through those endearing character created by A.A. Milne. “What I like doing best is nothing,” said Christopher Robin … to which his friend Winnie the Pooh responded, “How do you do nothing?” And Christopher Robin, who was very wise, replied, “It means just going along, listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering.” Good advice for us all.
T – Today. These few little ideas are only a start. Take time to explore your own truths. When we arrive on the threshold of 2014, what do you want to see what you look back? Begin today to build tomorrow.
E – Energy! 2013 is going to last for a whole year – that’s a long time! Now is the time to think about how you can generate positive energy so you can tackle the year, and everything it might bring with it, as well as possible. Exercise, eating right, engaging in healthy lifestyle choices – all those E’s equal energy!
E – Eternity. Yes, 2013 is going to last for a whole year, and that IS a long time … but on the other hand, a year is nothing – the blink of an eye – compared to the whole of eternity. While taking care of yourself physically, emotionally and mentally, don’t overlook your spiritual identity. In all the universe and over the course of all time, from beginning to end and before and beyond, there is only one YOU. You are here for a reason. Discover that purpose – discover yourself – discover eternity.
N – Never. Never give up. Regardless of the goals you set for yourself, however modest or ambitious, accept right now that there will be stumbling and setbacks along the way.
Yes, it’s 2013. It’s all up to you … but with a little determination, 2013 could be your luckiest year ever!