Happy New Year!

Part 24 in a series by Karen A. Stevenson, President, Studio K Salon

Here we are again facing another New Year!  It tends to feel like the movie Groundhog Day with Bill Murray where he wakes up, and repeats the same ol’ thing day in and day out.  I suppose it looks like that to all of us on occasion.  Kind of like the hamsters in the hamster wheel going ‘round, and ‘round, and  ‘round……

I was surprised this year in my ‘hair chair’ analyzing, how many clients have mentioned their sense of mortality.  I believe I have felt some of my own as well.  As things in life happen, whether it be a diagnosis of cancer, a loved one having a heart attack, or a child growing up and leaving home, we all sense the feeling that the clock keeps ticking.  No matter how hard we hang onto the dial, there is no stopping the progression of time.  

Time ‘gets away with us’.  Or maybe there ‘simply isn’t enough time’.  I also know how there are people that would preach they have ‘too much time on their hands’ rather than the opposite.  How can it be that there are people bored stiff, when other people are flying by the seat of their pants trying their hardest to accomplish even one third of the items on their plate? 

If all those that have nothing to do would just raise their hands, I am sure the people with too much to do would happily dole out some of their responsibilities and tasks and then we’d all be more even.  Well, on second thought, that may not work, there are too many people that think they have to ‘do it all themselves’.

Feeling your own mortality has a way of rearing its head when we least expect it.  Like, staring into the mirror and seeing the wrinkles of worry, frustration, heartache, and unmet bills.  Or when we stand on the scale at the doctor’s office and see that we’ve once again gained another ten pounds that simply will not go away.  Watching the newscast and noticing how much ‘younger’ they look than they did years ago.  Glancing in the mirror and seeing your parent’s face rather than a reflection of your own. 

We’ve all heard over and over again to live ‘one day at a time’.  Or is the saying ‘so go the Days of our Lives’?  We are lucky to survive one minute at a time when we drive on Highway 40 at rush hour!  Life gets rougher.  Crisis after crisis is revealed on the television.  Drama, denial, hardship, sorrow, tension headaches…wait a minute!  Stop the clock!

Wasn’t this about a HAPPY NEW YEAR? 

Of course it is.  How can we make this year happy? 

The symbolism is a baby, a new life, or a new birth. Isn’t it?  What can we do to make it feel that way for us?  I don’t know if the answer is another year of swearing we’ll quit smoking, or a renewed dedication of working out at the gym sixteen times a week.  Maybe it is simply a new attitude. Something that doesn’t involve as much physical labor, but more of a mental change.  An attitude is free.  It is light as a feather, and as easy as a flip of a switch.  How does one get a new attitude?

As you reflect over your accomplishments, the lives you’ve touched, your warm home.  As you ponder the people that you’ve offered a kind word, treated like they have significance.  Touched heart to heart with eyes and spirit, and really meant the words “I love you”.  Are you thankful for those close to you?  Do you feel at peace because you received a phone call from your child that is away in the military or college?  How about the growth that life has offered you opportunities for?  Struggles that have turned into blessings?  Longings that have created a deeper sense of appreciation?  Forgiveness for people’s imperfections.  Deep hurts that allowed you the opportunity to be more thankful for the simple joys?  Letting go of bitterness.  Understanding of other’s shortcomings, as well as your own.  Balance of home, office, play.  Less roller coaster, more even keel.  Increased patience. Ability to take life as it comes.  Flexibility.  These are just a few things that can help you with your New Year attitude.

This year, as the fireplace crackles a golden glow, sipping on your hot tea with honey.  How about watching each moment tick by, with a smile on your face, a warmth in your heart, and an inner peace that feels new.  Work on your positive side.  Count your blessings with each tick tock to the clock.  Thankfulness is the key.