"How strange it is, our little procession of life! The child says, 'when I am a big boy'. But what is that? The big boy says, 'when I grow up.' And then, grown up he says, 'when I get married'. But to be married, what is that after all? The thought changes to 'when I am able to retire.' And then when retirement comes, he looks back over the landscape traversed; a cold wind seems to sweep over it; somehow he has missed it all, and it is gone. Life, we learn too late, is in the living, in the tissue of everyday and hour."
I got this passage (Stephen Leacock) from an old note book today and it seems like the perfect point to ponder on in setting the tone for the new year. I am not a new year resolutions type of person because somehow they just never work for me. I prefer to think more in terms of general philosophies and say that this is what I want to embrace in the coming year. And for 2011, the idea is to do away with any excuses and just get on with living and doing stuff that I will always have an excuse for postponing. No more waiting to save money, waiting to get in shape, waiting for the right time....as the Nike slogan says, I will JUST DO IT! And folks that is my resolution for the new year.
At the beginning of 2010, I wrote about changing the nature of my blog, writing for myself. Did it succeed? I don't know but it suddenly made my blogging better! And on that note it has been wonderful having you all on my blog in 2010, and likewise I have discovered and enjoyed so many blogs! I hope for more in 2011!!
"Life, we learn too late, is in the living, in the tissue of everyday and hour." If only we remembered this in our every waking moment!
ReplyDeleteSidenote: I'd venture to say that writing for yourself most certainly succeeded. Trust me, I'd know. I've been reading :)
Hey carol, thanks for the encouragement!!
ReplyDeleteJust like me. I don't make resolutions too but I have like a guideline...a mantra for the year.
ReplyDeleteI'm like you. I've never been one to make new year's resolutions. I've always wondered what is the point when so many give them up a few weeks later! But I don't like procrastination and so each year I do try to get on with it and "just do it". Of course, I can't do everything at once so lately have gotten in the habit of forming some general goals for the year. Goals that aren't too onerous and whatever doesn't get done just carries over to the new year. Like with my swimming :-) I'm finding that works for me.
ReplyDeleteLife is in the living and there is joy in the journey. Let us make the most of it. I encourage you in your efforts this year, including learning to swim :-) Happy New Year!
I really like how you say you would rather concentrate on philosophies than goals. That really stands out to me because you are absolutely correct! What is the point of having a temporary goal is the change we seek to isn't really a deep and lasting one? A new philosophy changes everything! I love that attitude and will try to remember it myself!:)
ReplyDeleteAlso that's a very beautiful opening passage. I look very much forward to reading more here in the future!
Colleen
Colleen, thanks for stopping by. Thanks good people for the encouraging comments!!
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