As we approach the New Year, there is a lot of talk of resolutions and new beginnings. Whether they come before the holiday or after. One of my friends said in the beginning of December, “I better start going to the gym now so I am not one of those people who goes just because it is a resolution in January.” While I found this tremendously funny, it definitely points to the energetic shift many of us seek as this time of year comes around.
This past year, I made one goal for 2009: To speak up whenever I was thinking something nice about someone . If I liked what someone was wearing, touched by a particularly thoughtful gesture, or moved by someone’s genius, I would make a point to stop and say so. I have stopped a woman on a cross country Amtrak trip to tell her she looked like she should be on America’s Next Top Model(received with big smiles), voiced to a highly successful business woman that I admired her heart and courage, applauded a well known public figure for living their truth, and told an audience that I admired their collective belief that change is possible. Every time, people paused as if to re-register what I was saying. The next thought that crossed their faces was seeming to wonder why I would say something so kind and loving. And finally, gratitude.
This, I believe, is what makes up the root of social change. We tilt what currently exists on its side so that we are able to view it from a new angle. By looking again, we experience something new and then take action to allow that something new to grow.
“The true voyage is not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.”-M. Proust
The goal for 2010? To think about how I approach each and every day. The primary question will be “How do I want to greet today?” And to ask myself through each day if I am matching my original intention. I believe it also applies to each moment by stopping within an act and checking for alignment with the set upon course.
Below is a video of The Levity Project doing an Umbrella Hat Freeze. The essence behind this act of levity is to inspire each of us to take a moment and ponder how we “Greet the Day” and how we have the choice to allow life and our daily experiences to inspire and open us to what might be new.
(Watch the men at the end…they take it all in stride!)
Will you join me? How do YOU want to Greet Your Days in 2010?
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I try to celebrate and appreciate every single hour that I’m awake. It’s now always easy, especially when I have a cold. I find that’s it’s even more important to celebrate the beauty in my life when I’m not feeling the greatest. Because it helps ground me in appreciation instead of wanting something else.
We can change the way we view life by changing our habits. I love that you are creating such a wonderful movement.
How fun! I greet each day with something that “feels good”…coffee, journaling, yoga, exercise, or talking to my husband. Starting this way sets the ground work for everything else.
Katie,
I tried saying “good morning” to each day…and there was this echo that came back at me. Kind of spooky…especially since the day was still dark. Maybe, if I had turned the light on…
So, 2010…I probably won’t be doing that anymore. I’m thinking maybe a “high five” to each day. I suppose it will kind of be like playing air guitar (and that is fun!)…
Katie,
I think you met your New Year’s resolution. I may have to try that boldness this year. What a joy it was to watch the video and see what transpired before the laughter flash. I loved it! I know I wasn’t part of Chicago but am laughing with you in spirit from Texas (and the mall that day). Your social change lifts my heart right up and I think it makes it laugh heartily.
You’ve most certainly met your goal for 2009! Most of us are not used to having something nice said to us. We go all awkward, at a loss for words. Good for you in your loving act of kindness!
2009 was a year that I connected with the intuitive side of me. There were lessons along the way, which helped me clarify my values and future direction!
For year 2010, I hope to greet my days with mindfulness. Rather than be unconscious, I choose to be awake.
Marcel Proust rocked (and still so does!!!) His writing and mind were The Best.
LOVED the video. 5 whole minutes for a pose, eh? I think I might need training for that!??
And Chicago looks so so so beautiful, Katie, what a time it must’ve been. We took one of those bus tours in London, and it was for sure the way to go.
I’m high fiving today too!!
xoxo
What positive resolutions you chose for last year and this year! I haven’t put that much thought on resolutions yet; but I’m leaning on borrowing your ’09 resolution! I really like that one – brings much joy! I have never given much thought to how I greet my days (not a morning person), but for this year, I plan on awaking with a positive affirmation each day, and reflect upon it through out the day. Today, I will be grateful. Thank you for bringing so much laughter and joy into the mist of so many each day! You’re terrific!
Peace, Light and Love, C.
Katie,
How fun to be out there going after your dream and gathering others to do the same. I’m greeting each day with a calm center but crazy attitude!