Countdown To 2015
I’m counting down the days to a new year (5 Days / 10 Hours / 40 Minutes / 45 Seconds). I’m not prepared to leave 2014 behind until I have taken one last walk of reflection, meditating on the many themes of a year filled with significant highs and a few intermittent lows. Yes, I’ve had my moments, and I’m sure you did too, dear friends.
My most gratifying encounters came when I connected with nature, hiking Mother Earth’s hallowed grounds – often exploring her creativity, touching her beauty, feeling her love, smelling her essence and tasting her sweetness. From field to stream and all things in between, I was there, always mesmerized and walking away satisfied with each experience. It didn’t matter if I visited the same place over and over, for I still breathed contentment and always saw something new.
Happy and sad – it’s been a year of learning, growing, yielding, and when I think about it I realize it was more about choosing what was best for me. These days I very seldom deviate from my goal, which encompasses those things that will keep me strong, steadfast and true. I try my best to maintain the principals of love, passion and conviction when I contemplate how I approach people, places and things.
Today, I walked alone, choosing the Jones Falls Trail. I brought a book along and sat by a stream reading Walt Whitman (Leaves Of Grass). It was a quiet peaceful muse, and on occasion I welcomed the infrequent black bird with its harsh shrill.
My reading ended and I continued my walk, looking up and out at tall trees, majestic skies and a beautiful sun. In that brief moment I searched my heart and prayed for those things I have no control over and for those I do, hoping I continue to fortify my existence with the right choices.
2014 and I were not as simpatico as I would have liked, but when all was said and done, there were lessons learned and mistakes never to be repeated. I’m going forward ready for a new chapter in life.
I plan to be on the trail January 1st, embracing a new beginning. How about you, sweet friend? What will you do that first day of a new year that is uplifting, fun, exciting and meaningful? Here’s hoping it won’t be spent nursing a hangover. Make that first day of the New Year count, and throw occasional caution to the wind with your remaining 364 days. It’s something to think about. Take it seriously.
I want everyone to be healthy, happy and joyous about living, loving and nurturing – not just for yourself, but others too. This New Year demands we care more about our fellow man than ever before. We need to put aside our petty differences and focus on what we have in common, so that diversity may flourish.
I must admit I fall short on this endeavor from time to time, but I am going to follow through on my investment each and every day until I get it right, until I am guaranteed to be consistent in my actions. I’ll report back on the outcome because there are many positive benefits to sustain my efforts. I know if I’m diligent in my response, and it comes strictly from the heart without any expectation, I’ll get back more than I could ever imagine, and so will you. Goodwill fosters hope and, in return, affords love to all who believe.
No matter what, seek a new day and fill it with hope, love and beauty. Always look on the bright side of life. Thrive! – paerki (Additional Photos: Eve/Day)
"There are times to stay put, and what you want will come to you, and there are times to go out into the world and find such a thing for yourself." – Lemony Snicket
My most gratifying encounters came when I connected with nature, hiking Mother Earth’s hallowed grounds – often exploring her creativity, touching her beauty, feeling her love, smelling her essence and tasting her sweetness. From field to stream and all things in between, I was there, always mesmerized and walking away satisfied with each experience. It didn’t matter if I visited the same place over and over, for I still breathed contentment and always saw something new.
Happy and sad – it’s been a year of learning, growing, yielding, and when I think about it I realize it was more about choosing what was best for me. These days I very seldom deviate from my goal, which encompasses those things that will keep me strong, steadfast and true. I try my best to maintain the principals of love, passion and conviction when I contemplate how I approach people, places and things.
Today, I walked alone, choosing the Jones Falls Trail. I brought a book along and sat by a stream reading Walt Whitman (Leaves Of Grass). It was a quiet peaceful muse, and on occasion I welcomed the infrequent black bird with its harsh shrill.
My reading ended and I continued my walk, looking up and out at tall trees, majestic skies and a beautiful sun. In that brief moment I searched my heart and prayed for those things I have no control over and for those I do, hoping I continue to fortify my existence with the right choices.
2014 and I were not as simpatico as I would have liked, but when all was said and done, there were lessons learned and mistakes never to be repeated. I’m going forward ready for a new chapter in life.
I plan to be on the trail January 1st, embracing a new beginning. How about you, sweet friend? What will you do that first day of a new year that is uplifting, fun, exciting and meaningful? Here’s hoping it won’t be spent nursing a hangover. Make that first day of the New Year count, and throw occasional caution to the wind with your remaining 364 days. It’s something to think about. Take it seriously.
I want everyone to be healthy, happy and joyous about living, loving and nurturing – not just for yourself, but others too. This New Year demands we care more about our fellow man than ever before. We need to put aside our petty differences and focus on what we have in common, so that diversity may flourish.
I must admit I fall short on this endeavor from time to time, but I am going to follow through on my investment each and every day until I get it right, until I am guaranteed to be consistent in my actions. I’ll report back on the outcome because there are many positive benefits to sustain my efforts. I know if I’m diligent in my response, and it comes strictly from the heart without any expectation, I’ll get back more than I could ever imagine, and so will you. Goodwill fosters hope and, in return, affords love to all who believe.
No matter what, seek a new day and fill it with hope, love and beauty. Always look on the bright side of life. Thrive! – paerki (Additional Photos: Eve/Day)
"There are times to stay put, and what you want will come to you, and there are times to go out into the world and find such a thing for yourself." – Lemony Snicket
