The big new year resolutions sound so cinemascope and fabulous: this is the year for financial freedom, the year for finding my soul mate, the year for landing that dream job, the year for being the fittest I’ve ever been. I get it, “Shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” While there is absolutely nothing wrong with this, how exactly does one accomplish this feat? Is there a magical canon that propels us towards our goal with a stellar back up plan? If so I’ll take a dozen to go please.
A couple of days ago as I was sitting in the park considering some wise resolutions for this year, a fly landed on my book. After numerous attempts to shoo it away I was successful or rather it was successful. I watched it fly over to a beautiful yellow lily. Looking at the canna lilies, they always grow in bunches, transported me suddenly to my childhood. I remember as a three year old I would find my way right into the middle of them. I loved the yellow flowers. There’s even a photo my mother took of me as I’m ensconced amongst them, holding the stem of one, the flower a foot above my head. I might as well have been photographed on Mt. Everest, with a flag in my hand, so triumphant is the smile on my face.
It’s difficult to describe how it felt cradling this luminous flower in my hands. In fact I was taken aback at the joy I experienced, almost as if I had stepped back in time through a portal among the lilies. For a few minutes I was in a place of no time, afloat on childhood’s soft flow of openness, wonder and play. Remember how immersed we were in life, how seamlessly one moment flowed into the next, each one just as engaging as the one before it. Curiosity keeping adventure as the goal and excitement as the rhythm. Pure bliss.
Sitting back down on the bench, I tried to take in what had just happened. I can’t believe I’m saying this: dreaming is heavenly but the magic is here in this moment. Making plans is important but what is of true value is being present as life unfolds before you. Stepping out of your mind and into reality. The reality where miracles are constantly waiting to remind you how to claim your happiness.
As always the answer comes quickly and clearly to my question. The most epic new year’s resolution is to be present in this moment.
Best
Afshan x
So very true – this year is like any other so many have gone by – I think all I want is calm and peace. Too much wanting just made a hole in my heart and nothing else . Happy New Year
I loved reading this 🙂 constantly planning for/thinking/worrying about the future, we often forget to live for the moment….and find happiness in the little things in life that can bring about just as much, or more joy than the big things we plan for.