I’ve spent most of January on holiday, first in South Africa and then at home in England. In the shadows of a dog year – 2010 was grisly for many reasons – I had to think long and hard about this course of action. Priorities, problems and people battled for mindshare, and…as I flew to my soul space on the West Coast, it seemed like an indulgent luxury to step off the treadmill and simply let go for a few weeks.
Still. I celebrated the New Year after 3 days without sleep and partied until dawn. I was uniquely privileged to lead the naming ceremony for my nephew. As we toasted him with champagne, we floated our origami wishes on an ebbing tide as the sun set. I saw a kinesiologist and felt lighter. I went bird watching in Verloren Vlei and saw an owl. And an eagle! And the longest ever train in the world! My sister and I went swimming in the cold Atlantic. Not once, but twice! I sailed on a Hobie cat in Fish Hoek and ate fish under the Milky way. Wine and song were most definitely involved. New Year’s resolutions were most definitely not.
Still. I’m so glad I did. Without resolutions, I’ve returned from family with a sense of optimism warmed by unconditional affection – and the South African sun. Back home, I’ve rekindled longstanding friendships with people who see me as I really am – and continue to love me for it. I’ve realised that saying goodbye means you can say hello to fresh experiences – and that you can enjoy new people, new places and new music without being hidebound by what happened the year before!
Now that February is tugging me back into reality, I’ve resolved (but not in a New Year kind of way) to emulate my nine month old nephew and view the rest of 2011 with unfettered curiosity. It’s an adventure. Love, light and laughter await. So too, do challenge and opportunity. Perhaps every year should begin a month later…?
Pier Point 