MAY YOUR COMING YEAR BE FILLED WITH MAGIC
AND DREAMS AND GOOD MADNESS.
I HOPE YOU READ SOME FINE BOOKS AND KISS SOMEONE
WHO THINKS YOU'RE WONDERFUL,
AND DON'T FORGET TO
MAKE SOME ART -
WRITE OR DRAW OR BUILD
OR SING OR LIVE AS ONLY YOU CAN.
AND I HOPE, SOMEWHERE IN THE NEXT YEAR,
YOU SURPRISE YOURSELF.
(Neil Gaiman)
These might be Mr. Gaiman's words, but they're also my wishes for all of us in 2014.
I have somehow settled into the habit of not pushing myself. I don't think I've worked hard enough, fast enough, creatively enough. I could've gone just a little farther, a bit further. It's just become easier…not to. It's become easier to…settle.
And this realization makes me very uncomfortable. This is not me. This is not who I want to be, not who I believe I am or who I am meant to be.
So, with this realization comes resolution and revolution, of a sort. No, I am not going to be jumping out of airplanes or scaling large mountains any time soon. I'm old enough to realize some things are just not me, and I am totally okay with that. What I am talking about is more incremental - a slight mind shift, a turning toward, a strengthening of the belief that my life and my work are worth that extra step, that extra time, that harder push. I give myself permission to go for it - whatever "it" is at the time - and to be the best me I can be, no matter what others might say or think about it.
I wish you all the best for 2014, and I thank you all for reading and commenting, for being supportive and encouraging this past year. You all make me believe that my words are not just floating around out there but that they're actually landing and maybe even making some small contribution to the world. Thank you!
Permission to go for it. I think I need that as well.
ReplyDeleteYou're the only one who can give it to yourself, Alex - go for it! :)
DeleteI was thinking about just this thing earlier today, but in my mind, it didn't sound as eloquent. "Permission to go for it"—I like that! I want to make it my motto as well. Thank you, Madeline. You're very inspiring. ☺
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dana, for your comment. It made me smile. And you are so welcome to the motto - take it! :)
DeleteI won't be jumping out of any airplanes any time soon, either, but I do enjoy scaling large mountains. Large-ish.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to you in the new year! Like Dana said, you're very inspiring!
Speaking of inspiring - the scaling of any size mountain is awesome. Good for you! :)
DeleteI hope 2014 is a great for one you, MJ!
You've struck a nerve with me - I too could have worked harder, faster and more creatively. I've only just realised it when I read your words, so thank you. Have a very happy new year.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, and I hope those words help you the way I plan on them helping me. Happy 2014 to you!
DeleteWe need to form a push-shove society. Good luck with the shift!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cathy. I hope 2014 is a good one for you! :)
DeleteGo for it! I love your wise words and inspiration as always.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Simon. I expect you to go for it, also. :)
DeleteLove this quote (saw it earlier today and thought about writing it down!) and like you, it called to me. May we both surprise ourselves this year (in a good way).
ReplyDeleteBest to you and your writing in 2014, Madeline! Thank YOU for sharing yourself and these wonderful quotes every Monday! :-)
Thanks so much for your nice comment, Cathy! I wish you all the best in 2014! :)
DeleteGood luck with your resolve. I going to not push myself so much this next year and stop and smell some roses. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get to experience the scents of lots of lovely roses in 2014! :)
Delete