I woke up this morning thinking of my friend, Rob. It’s two years since he passed away, and I think about him often. He didn’t do it intentionally, but he always brought a smile to my face, with his dry wit, kindness, and utter contempt for idiots. Whenever he crosses my thoughts, as he did this morning, I remember him with happiness and a smile. I often forget that he’s no longer with us, and I miss his unique character, but to wake up happy is a wonderful way to start the day. Thank you, Rob.
Next week it’s the start of the new year, but right now we are in Crimbo Limbo (or Twixmas, Witching Week, call it what you will), the period between Christmas festivities and the New Year where nothing really happens. The changing of the year means a new calendar, a chance to start afresh, and its tradition to make a New Year’s Resolution on New Year’s Day and embrace the New Year ‘vibe’. But just for now, we can pause, putting the endless push for progress that dominates our modern lives to one side, and take some time to tie up loose ends, look ahead, manifest some dreams, eat, and enjoy.
And when the New Year arrives, why not let the beginning of a new cycle serve as a reminder that the answers we seek are already resting deep within us. It’s simply a case of waking them. During this quiet, chilly time of the year, it can be comforting to remember the people and things we love, naming them, and sharing them to show our gratitude. It’s easy to over-complicate these things but follow your gut, let your senses guide you, and do some of the things you know keep you strong, happy, and healthy. These are yours, and only you know their true value. Practice them, even if you’ve lost the excitement for them.
I’m the first to admit that I’ve lost my excitement for running, the elusive mojo, despite it being the one thing that served me so well over the years. I will find it again, if I practice, it’s simply a matter of locating it on the trails. I also start a new job in January. As a result of my life-saving transplant, I have a very tangible and useful barometer against which I can measure all other things in my life. I decided some time ago that life is too short to be doing things that don’t bring me fulfilment, and while I must work, my time is much better spent doing the things that I am best at and light the fire within me. I bided my time patiently, and when the opportunity arose, I took it.
The fact that I could make such a choice is not lost on me. It’s a privilege and something that I am deeply grateful for. In fact, whatever happens, I find that when taking time for contemplation at the beginning and end of the day, gratitude always rises to the top. Practising gratitude takes a minute to learn, and a lifetime to master, but how we choose to show gratitude is less important than the intention behind it. Sincerity is what really matters. I am still at the beginning of my recovery journey, and there is never a day that passes I don’t feel gratitude for my life-saving kidney, or the love that is attached to it.
Love is a mysterious thing that probably means different things to each of us. I like to think of it as noticing and appreciating the peculiarities in a person, places, or things, that make them special. It’s easy to forget, but it’s no more complicated than that. At least, it isn’t to me. If you’re wondering what 2024 might have in store for you, and as we start to formulate our plans for the following twelve months, a foundation of love and gratitude is, perhaps, the best place to start.
Happy New Year, peeps.
Laters…
#R24TRC 