In our increasingly hurried society, it seems we’re always in such a rush to move to the next thing that we don’t take time to recognize and savor all the triumphs in our lives, big and small.
Take, for example, my alma mater’s football team that recently saw the nation’s longest collegiate football winning streak come to an end. The immediate reaction was dismay and disappointment that the Ohio State Buckeyes’ national title hopes had been dashed, but what about all that this exceptional team did achieve? 24 consecutive wins in spite of the turmoil and scandal of a former coach and players leaving amidst NCAA rule infractions.
Cheering the Buckeyes on to victory over that team up north [Michigan] with Brutus Buckeye.
Each December during Winter Solstice, I call my own timeout to reflect on my surprises, successes, failures and learnings from the year drawing to a close. This ritual helps me remember and honor all that the preceding three hundred fifty some odd days brought, so much special and sacred yet already beginning to fade to memory with time.
As in years prior, when I recently did my reflection ritual, I again was blown away by and refilled with gratitude for all that seemed to have happened a lifetime ago. Some of the highlights I relished reflecting upon:
I welcomed 2013 in the company of fellow yogis and yoginis from all over the world on sacred grounds in Tepoztlan, Mexico (pictured above, right). Though far outnumbered by non-English speaking Kundalini kinfolk, I experienced firsthand the truly universal language of love and hope at a heartwarming New Year’s yoga retreat in the beautiful Mexican countryside pictured above.
The spirit of love and hope with which I rang in 2013 set the tone for my year, filled with self-discovery and self-healing as well as discovery of new perspectives and healing of important relationships in my life.
I formed life-long bonds with my new mastermind sisters and coach and shared special time in several retreats with these amazing women. Standing out among our memorable times together is a powerful healing ceremony on the beach of my favorite city, San Francisco. Together we burned and released so much that no longer served us, and I reclaimed my special city’s place in my heart.
Building on a wellspring of encouragement, I fully embraced the writer I am and took the leap of faith to start sharing my gift with the world. I brought to life two homes for my writing, this blog and the nurturing, inspiring new studio at home where I carve my craft.
I shared with one of my BFFs an epic Las Vegas weekend that opened the doors to inviting more play and joy into my life. I carried on the tradition of bowling with my niece and nephew during numerous visits to Columbus, and I enjoyed the Ohio State Fair with Mom for the first time in more than fifteen years.
Celebrating high school graduation with Jorawar before he began his college career at UCLA.
I had the privilege to see the son of my dear friend, Simer, graduate from high school, a milestone in her family as the first to do so in America.
I rang in the holidays with my friend, Kristen, in a joyful, wintry weekend in New York City, nothing better capturing the spirit of the season than the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and the Big Apple decked out in full holiday glory.
A selfie with my friend, Kristen, in front of NYC’s iconic Christmas tree.
Wow. All this and so much more in the short span of a year.
While I’m filled with hopeful anticipation for all the New Year has in store, today is all about honoring 2013 to its very last precious moment. On this, the eve of a tremendous year’s conclusion, I reiterate my gratitude for the innumerable blessings of this year.
I invite you to take your own timeout to reflect on 2013. I know you’ll be reminded of special moments big and small, all worthy of celebration.
Peace, love, joy and prosperity to you this New Year and always.
