Apologies if this is upsetting, but if it hurts to look at, imagine how it is to live with.
I've never been cynical about New Year's Eve; after all, having your friends around, lovely party or dinner and positively encouraged to stay up too late showing off - heaven.
The thing that does bore me though, is the harping on about giving stuff up, resolving to make life-shattering changes, join gyms, stop drinking, shopping, eating chocolate, enter a monastery. I've never subscribed the whole suffering-is-good-for-the-soul Protestant anti-fun ethic. Suffering and denial is crap for my soul. It makes me short-tempered and deeply resentful; bottles of wine appear on my desk at work from terrified employees and by January 15th, they have usually staged an intervention and taken me to the pub.
A couple of years ago, full of turning-40 mortality, I agreed to run a ten-mile marathon, which to my surprise involved months and months of training. I did the marathon (nobody more stunned than me), but ended the year about a stone heavier than I started as I have NEVER been so hungry in my life.
I think it's easier to resolve to add to one's life. I have sucessfully kept a five-year-old resolution to eat more cheese (I had to also buy a small fridge for my own personal use, but it was a small price to pay for on-tap Gorgonzola and Stinking Bishops) and only buy cashmere.
This year, I am counting blessings, and adding to someone else's life. If, like me, you are overwhelmed and sated by the sheer amount of STUFF there is to manage after a good Christmas haul, I suggest you give some away. I am adding clarity and peace to my existence. Encouraged by the saintly Maxminimus and someone close who knows the life-changing difference it can cause, I will pay for a couple of cleft-palate operations for children who have literally nothing.
In the meantime, there's a perfectly ripe Camembert in the kitchen with my name on it.
My brother-in-law and his wife donated to Smile Train in our name this Christmas, an organization that pays for operations for children with cleft palates. I was so touched by the gesture. We receive so much during the holidays and it takes very little to give back, yet brings many people great joy. I will be volunteering more in 2010 and I'm looking forward to it. It's good for the soul.
ReplyDeleteI applaud your plan, giving of yourself or of funds to assist those in need does feel great.
ReplyDeleteI had a very special Christmas experience last year, I joined an army of volunteers who donated food items and made up 78 baskets for Christmas dinners and gave them to a local service charity to distribute them according to need. I was unable to attend this year but they surpassed last years numbers and put together a staggering 98! These baskets have turkeys, and all the trimmings one needs to celebrate Xmas dinner, from candles to mince pies to brussell sprouts on the vine. Everyone has a great time.
An excellent charity choice. And I love the idea of being good to yourself too - I'm with you on the cashmere but will pass on your Stinking Bishop!
ReplyDeleteTrish x
What a great resolution the cheese one is! I shall make it just as soon as New Year hits. At last, one I will keep.
ReplyDeleteGiving more is an excellent resolution though I'll pass on the cheese and go for the more wine option!
ReplyDeleteYes, Els, you're right. Let me think of how to give back instead of a give-up that involves moi, moi moi. Yes, let's take a moment and move the spotlight.
ReplyDeleteYou are an inspiration on all levels from the good to the deliciously bad.
I hope, Cherie, you and all those you love (and there must be legions who love you) have a new year overflowing with joy, hope, adventure and dreams fulfilled.
xoxoxo, Tish
God Bless You.
ReplyDeleteADG and LFG