Happy New Year!

Now with Christmas behind us, a long week of no school and New Years arriving, I pause from shopping and wondering why there are no cookies left to reflect on the meaning of season. Joy to the world was a little hard to keep in mind as I hurtled from nth hour purchasing to appointments with the plumber, electrician and dryer repair guy and home in time for the school bus. I’ve never been so far behind for the holidays before, no cards, one batch of cookies, shopping, wrapping and decorating on Christmas Eve. Bring on the stress and guilt.

This past year was difficult for so many people with anxiety about the economy and what that meant; jobs, homes, income and the prospect of losing one or all. It’s easy to lose sight what is important, and perspective narrows to tunnel vision. I’m not an expert of any sort, but I’ve learned from past crisis that the essence of a family is keeping those you love safe and together, not the size of your house or number of possessions. Those are things and things can be replaced or done without. If your house was burning, what would you grab - the children or the stock certificates?

Once you have it in your mind that you CAN live without the stuff, it is remarkably freeing and peaceful, even if you are still surrounded by a mountain of plastic kiddy krap. Separating out what is important from the accessories allows you to see them for what they are. No one ever died from the lack of a flat screen, bluetooth, or designer clothes. A safe place to live, warm clothing, enough healthy food – that’s pretty much the essentials list. There are many people on this globe who can’t even lay claim those three, so I feel the blessings we have received in the luxury of wanting more…..but not really needing.

So my prescription for the New Year.

First, my tough love reminder - We don’t get that many days on this planet, don’t waste them whining or feeling sorry for yourself. As my mother often reminded me, “God helps those who help themselves.” And as I have learned, also those who know when to ask for help.

There is rarely “nothing” left. The best things in life come in all sizes of packages, and many are free to boot. It’s a cliché, but you only get to be a cliché by being obviously true.

There is an ever changing world outside your window, glorious and awe-full, better than any movie. The eternal cycle of rebirth enacted every year, from the first hint of green, the explosion of eye-popping spring bloom, the hum of insects lulling the warm air, gold and red tints overtaking the trees in a wave, the delicate tracing of ice on a window pane, and a deep plunge of white blanketing the still earth. Orchestras of tiny birds whistling in the trees or swooping overhead, a butterfly ballerina cavorting over a field, the deep smell of fresh earth, a hint of rain in the sultry summer air, the fragile taste of a snowflake landing on your tongue, contemplation of the infinite in the night sky - is all free of charge. You just have to stop and enjoy it. “Stop and smell the roses” is not just an expression, (and another too true cliché) but a way of life. Protecting the beauty and variety of that creation for the future is the responsibility laid on us in exchange for its delights.

Cheap is good too! Less meat, more veggies is good for your wallet and health. Walking ditto. Good for the planet too. Shop…sales, EBay and Craig’s list (not a paid announcement.)

You are surrounded by love and concern. Family and friends are there. Appreciate them even with their all too human imperfections. Keep remembering, “Let he or she who is without sin…..” (a very small and exclusive group of which I am not a member.) Be someone else’s angel, smile, give an unexpected compliment, a note or card just because.

Do what ever you can, and maybe a little more. A small sacrifice can make someone else’s life better. This year our Thanksgiving was about family and food, but also about giving; to the coat drive by the school district, supplying the local food pantry, volunteering. Many drops do fill the bucket.

Pray for those beyond the reach of your arms, in fear, danger, sickness, hunger, surrounded by darkness, real or perceived.

Count your blessings, especially those most amazing of gifts, children. They are a bequest, to you and to the future. Shower them with love and attention rather than riches, (plus education, home work checking, manners, and firm boundaries) and they will grow to be the kind of people you admire.

A happy and healthy New Year to all!