Monday, December 30, 2024

here we are now...

On the cusp of the last day of the year...

I have hopes for 2025--high hopes. Despite the election results and the impending inauguration. Why not? Imagination is free after all. But also, when I tally my efforts I judge based on whether on not I did my best. I usually am doing my best, so I tend to be kind to myself even if the results aren't what I'd originally hoped for. 

Right now feels a bit more stable than this time last year in terms of everyone's health (MIL may be mobile as soon as next week) and prospects, and I'll take that. The people in my life are my blessings and joys. The most important part is that I'm rich in human connections.

(And spiritual connections if my overcrowded altar is any indication. I tend to put everything people give me on it, plus it's a busy time of the year with both the nativity and the menorah out.)

Pic: My overcrowded altar yesterday. And I thought it was overcrowded two years ago... Additions have been Scout's picture, some new icons, the guide birds, and from this angle some of the holiday cards on the side table.

14 comments:

Nicole said...

Happy New Year my friend! May 2025 live up to your high hopes. xoxoxo

Gillian said...

Nice

Nance said...

I like your altar. It's so tangible. All it takes is a visit or a glance to remind you of Good Things and Good People.

This coming year, I'm thinking of resurrecting my Good Things Jar. I keep a huge jar and a little pad of paper and pen next to it. Every single time anything good happens, I write it down and put it in the jar. Then, on New Year's Eve, I take each thing out of the jar and read it so that I can remind myself of all the Good Things that occurred that year. It's a nice way to focus on small, pleasant happenings all year, too, and make a ceremony of writing them down and putting them in the jar each time.

I'd like to say it was my idea, but I got it from someone else. I have a feeling that, this year, I'll need the Good Things Jar.

StephLove said...

We can't always be our best-- that's what makes it our best. Your altar is lovely and indicative of your big heart-- so much is holy to you.

Lisa's Yarns said...

Happy New Year! I'm optimistic about 2025 despite the many reasons not to be. And like you - I'm fortunate to be rich in human connections and I want to deepen those connections in 2025.

Life of a Doctor's Wife said...

"I'm rich in human connections." Oh Maya, this was EXACTLY what I needed to read today. What a perfect way to look at life! Happy New Year!

maya said...

Thanks, Nicole! xoxoxo

maya said...

Thanks!

maya said...

I hope your Good Things Jar is full in 2025, Nance!

maya said...

StephLove, you have no idea how much this comment soothed me. Thank you. Yes, these buttons and beads and things are all sacred because of the people who gave them to me. Thank you seeing it that way and not as clutter.

maya said...

Lisa, when I experience dread about what might happen post-election, knowing I am not alone has been so helpful... Yes to deepening those connections...

maya said...

Happy New Year, Suz. Of course that would be the phrase that resonated for you, because you are so good at that!!

Jenny said...

I like that you have high hopes for 2025- I guess I do too, but that's the eternal optimist in me. I like the idea to check in with myself and ask "Am I doing my best?" If the answer is yes, then all is well.

maya said...

If we got to our 50s and are still optimists, I think that bodes well for us. Fingers crossed and sprits high, Jenny!

Bhogi today; Pongal tomorrow

Tomorrow is Pongal, the start of the auspicious Tamil month Thuy, and I always think of it as a handy reset for any lagging New Year resolut...