New Beginnings
Can you believe we're at the end of the year already? It has been an eventful year of both endings and beginnings for all of us. Just as nature is cyclical in its seasons so is life. Sometimes endings make us sad. Sometimes endings bring with them beautiful beginnings. Eleanor Roosevelt reminded us, "Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift; that's why they call it the present." Our present has been blooming and blossoming and undergoing many new evolutions this last year. Most of the time, we are surprised where they take us. Nothing is as healing as turning the page of life to something new never experienced or tried before. Ursula K. LeGuin says, "It is good to have an end to journey towards; but it is the journey that matters in the end."
If you're wondering who was the first New Year baby? It was Dionysus; my poem below.
Hermes the prankster of the Gods, sired Dionysus,
the love child of Zeus and a pregnant Semele,
who died when a wish backfired because
love between a God and a mortal, cannot
safely be; Zeus quickly plucked her unborn fetus
from her dying womb, to stash in his thigh til born,
becoming tired of the extra weight, he then
plucked the child, once again, into the light,
"You intoxicate me, little one," Zeus laughed and
pronounced, "you shall be the God
of wine and good times." Who better to introduce
wine, merriment and fertility than an insatiable
gender-confused child?
New Beginnings are about growth, change and enlightenment. They reinforce the power of change. It is my hope, for one brief, breathless moment, all of you will experience the feelings of awe and wonder, much like that of a small child this coming year. Nothing is so healing as the realization of hope. We grow great when turning our hopes into realities. We must nourish and protect our heart's desires bringing them to the sunshine and light of reality. Every dream that comes to light is a victory. We are all choking to say good-bye to the past and create new beginnings. When we follow our hearts to new beginnings we are quietly growing and changing for the better. Life is a puzzle; we are the corner pieces. As we get older the pieces begin falling into place. We could never learn to be brave and patient if we made no mistakes. There is no reason good beginnings cannot triumph over bad endings.
It is manipulation in reverse when you dare reveal yourself fully, when you dare to be vulnerable, or when you think more about another's happiness rather than your own. When we do this, our self-esteem grows stronger, becoming armor, protecting us, nurturing us, encouraging us, and fulfilling us. If you feel confused or overwhelmed by life, or if your life seems to have no meaning, no important reason for your existence, spend some time bringing your heart's desires out into the light. Try reading God's mind a little: Imagine -- If you were God, and you had created the first human in his own image, what would you have created that person for? It's an interesting puzzle, and the clues are in your unique characteristics.
Let your hopes and dreams become frequent companions. Try listening to your heart and fearing less. Whatever your age, if you learn to listen to your heart , your inner voice will speak to you about what is right and what is wrong for you. This wisdom that is directing you from within is your birthright... an inner message, an inner awareness, that says, "This is your path, this is how you can be the best human being possible." If you follow it, you will achieve your full growth and full potential. I see the power of new beginnings daily in my work, my family and in my own life. It's easy for any of us to get discouraged. Since each of us is unique, with different genetic mixes, different fingerprints, different gifts and personalities. We have all been designed for survival and spreading joy. If you feel confused or overwhelmed by life, or if your life seems to have no meaning, no important reason for your existence, spend some time pondering how you can begin smiling. Indulge this next year in what brings you joy and others joy- -if only in small doses. For instance, when was the last time you did something creative or for others in spur-of-the-moment? It is time to embrace a more "why not?" mentality. Sculpt your heart with passion, joy and hope, and see how contagious a smile can be!
