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By Anell Jantjies
I used to view the beginning and end of a year as a test. Almost like a timer that has 365 days (366 if it’s a leap year) and if you aren’t careful or productive enough during those 365 days; then you’ll fail for the next year. I don’t exactly know why I chose to view my life as a test. It’s what I’ve been subjected to in school and endless progress reports and a good amount of pop culture references. It used to shape my reality and made me quite superstitious as to what I can expect for the upcoming year. I made the assumption that the new year is the ultimate test and I have to give it my all from the start. At one stage I found myself with a long list of new year’s resolutions that I never abided by.
So mind you, it’s New Year’s eve and there’s literally no hype on my side. There’s no list with jotted down resolutions. I am just in the present and saying thanks. The previous year was difficult, I’m sure everyone can relate.
Over the last few years I’ve just craved some silence to get my mind in order and actively plan ahead. It always starts with a question: “What am I keen on doing this year?” It’s a broad question for someone like me, I always want to do too much or maybe think too unrealistic about certain tasks. Overall by the grace of the universe I’ve come to realise that although I do intend to set out on a specific destination; I also find myself steering away from that path. In a metaphoric sense I eventually get to my destination sometimes longer then initially set out, or quicker than anticipated.
The mantra for this year is simple, just keep going.
Change is a phenomenon. As we gently brace ourselves for what the new year has in store, pay attention to how you are doing. Check in with yourself regularly. Make time for yourself and your needs. It’s easy to lose focus, but remind yourself that you have 365 days to make a difference, even if it’s just your life. What you set out to do writes the story and we are all on our individual hero’s journey.
As a society, we’ve had a lot to deal with these last two years. We’re still in a pandemic, we’ve seen tremendous loss of life world wide. It is traumatising. Getting yourself out of a rut takes time and effort – start when you are ready.
Take care of your health, as the saying goes “health is wealth”. Pay attention to your thoughts. Be gentle with yourself and spread kindness. There’s always goodness and beauty in everything, look for it.
The year ahead is daring experience. Reflect and proceed with no regrets.