As you look back onto 2014, how do you look at it? What do you immediately see? Is it the failures, the times we may have misspoken, or the things we didn’t get to do, or the people we didn’t get to see that we wished for? Are we disappointed at our ‘imperfect’ year?
Perfect is described in the dictionary as “having all the required or desirable elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be.”
Could it be that we did have it ‘as good as it is possible to be?’
Remember the song “Seasons of Love” from the Broadway play “Rent”? (click here to listen to the song)
The lyrics for this song focus on the fact that we have 525,600 minutes in one year. How do we measure a year? Can we measure it by sunsets; cups of coffee; laughter; or truths learned? Could those be minutes of perfection?
Even though our situation with family estrangement may not be giving us the best feeling, how about we end the year reflecting on the LOVE we do have in our life?
Embrace what is
We all crave the ‘ideal’ or perfect family that we see on TV or in the movies. How about we let go of that fantasy or the thought that things are supposed to be this way or that way, and allow ourselves to be authentic? By truly connecting with those we have in our lives presently, we can enjoy this time together. Enjoy coffee with friends. Reflect on times spent with loved ones.
Create your own JOY
Whenever you feel lost or sad ask yourself, “What would bring me real joy right now?” Listen to your heart and create some joy for yourself instead of depending on certain people or circumstances providing it for you. Enjoy created laughter. Reflect on moments of laughter from the year.
Forgiveness
Forget about the thought, “THEY should be asking me to forgive them!” This is about forgiving them in our own heart. It doesn’t mean that we are saying what happened was okay. It just means that we have accepted the situation and can see the big picture. Forgiveness is about opening up our heart to a greater future with or without this person. Enjoy your heart opening a bit more. Reflect on the ‘truths learned’.
Release any anger
You may not be in contact with this person anymore so why hold onto the emotions and replay the negative aspects of the relationship? If we do this, we put ourselves in a holding pattern of anger. Releasing that anger will allow a fresh start within our selves. Enjoy sunsets. Are there any moments spent in nature that you can reflect on from this past year?
“Let’s celebrate
Remember a year in the life of friends
Remember the LOVE
Remember the LOVE
Remember the LOVE
Measure in LOVE
Measure, measure your life in LOVE
Seasons of LOVE
Seasons of LOVE”
~Final verse from “Seasons of Love”
How can you measure your past 525,600 minutes with LOVE where ‘perfection’ abounds all around you? Please share!
It would be a pleasure to share a Skype visit with you to discuss any questions you might have.
What a lovely invitation Elda in which to hold our year, and our ourselves. I had a wonderful year, filled with lots of joy, and wish the same for you in 2015.
Deborah Weber recently posted…Faux Snow, Tree Music, and Bookmarking Friendships
Thank You for your continued support Deborah! Wishing you much LOVE in the upcoming year…
I had forgotten about this song, so thanks for the reminder of it, and the encouragement to reflect back on all the positives in life. Today I am working on the Law of Least Effort: accepting things as they are in this moment, not as I wish they were; recognizing that each ‘problem’ is an opportunity in disguise; remaining open to all points of view. So your post came at a great time, with wonderful suggestions for reflection.
Your posts are always so encouraging and timely, Elda. With much gratitude for your compassion and friendship, I wish you many blessings and much happiness in 2015.
Thank you for the comment on the Law of Least Effort. It’s something that I think we are taught as children (at least most of us) that things need to be ‘forced’ to happen instead of just allowing and accepting what is. It’s such a pleasure to see you visit here Joyce, THANK YOU!! Sending you much LOVE!
I love this post. Sometimes our least perfect moments turn out to be so perfect 🙂
Kama recently posted…Comment on The Club by A Year of Not Taking Life So Seriously – Where Will it Lead? | Kama Frankling
That’s right Kama! If we open our eyes and change our perspective things tend to end up being perfect just the way they are. Thanks so much for your comment.
I gave up on “perfect” long ago, I am usually happy with an “adequate” year. There have always been small good moments even in the worst of times for me.
SKJAM! recently posted…Open Thread: Happy New Year!
Welcome Scott! Isn’t is nice to find those small good moments? Thanks for the visit.
Your post spoke to me. I have a hard time with family(parents) I can’t bring myself to forgive them. I live far away from them but every now I have those moments where I think of the past and it just hurts. Nevertheless I control my thoughts and live happily with my husband whose support has made me stronger and be full of love.
Thank you for your post. Wish you a happy new year.
Thank you for sharing Hema. I am glad you have the loving support of your husband with the situation. That loving support can make the biggest difference in the world. I invite you to check out some of my previous blog posts and see if any of them might resonate with you or give you some ‘food for thought’.
Sending you much LOVE in the New Year!
Here’s something I’ve been doing for the last few years that has made me realise I’ve been having perfect years: writing down everything I’m grateful for and everything I’ve achieved. It always takes me by surprise just how much goodness I can find and a lot of it I can give myself credit for directly!
Tat recently posted…Fountains, rivers and my one word for 2015
Thanks for sharing this great exercise to do at the end of the year Tat! When I go through my calendar at the end of the year in order to journal my most significant moments; my most important decisions of the year; and people who have come into my life in that year who have helped bring my vibration up, I am always amazed at the magnitude of positivity from the year.
Thank you so much for telling us about how you find a lot and also can give yourself credit directly. So cool!
One BIG thing that I measured my year in is the number of people I interacted with positively…I was in school of the last time and it was the one time I actually spent time only talking positively to every person I could. There of course were people I disagreed with and those I wont likely see again, but moments of positively and happiness are crucial for success in life and love.
P.s I love rent.
What a GREAT way to measure your year Amanda! Just as you mentioned, Positive interactions with others are crucial for success in life and love. Glad to hear you enjoy Rent as well. Sometimes I think it is a forgotten piece.