Hello!
I think this is the longest I have gone without a post since I began this little blog back in June! It’s been a mad few days, and I’ve only turned my laptop on for a total of 65 minutes – to play a yoga podcast [necessary] and to check the time Home Depot opens [7 AM; painful]. But my sister and I have successfully completed the exhausting task of packing our many items, wheeling them down the uneven street in bell carts, putting together furniture without a power drill, and unpacking…about half our stuff.
Disorganization aside, we are happily settling in our new apartment. I’m currently eating banana oatmeal with almond butter [part of a Chanukkah present!], hoping I have enough time amidst the unpacking to get in some yoga before a dear friend comes in to celebrate this evening, and blogging from my kitchen table. Yes, you read that correctly: we have enough space for a kitchen table. I love this place!
I’ll begin blogging regularly again when the new year gets underway, but I wanted to stop in for a short little post to end 2009. As the holiday season comes to a close tonight, I’ve got the last edition of the “Staying Balanced” series. A final reintroduction:
The holidays are underway – one of the busiest and often most stressful times of year. Everyone will be faced with traveling, office parties, family gatherings, friendly affairs. Gifts need to be found and bestowed, elaborate meals planned and cooked. I know I can always use some reminders to keep myself balanced this time of year, not necessarily in terms of food, but in body and in mind. This series aims to do just that.
I notice that a lot of people treat New Year’s Eve as the last hurrah – the one final day of holiday insanity, the last chance for acceptable gluttony and debauchery. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that I don’t support that all or nothing approach: we don’t need a new year to tell us when to indulge or when to make a fresh start; we can do that any day – even any hour – that we choose.
I see the flipping of the calendar at midnight as just another relatively trivial number. December 31st is a nice excuse for extravagant behavior – but it isn’t my permission. I can, and I will, be just as over-the-top on other nights [or hey, afternoons: hello brunch] all throughout the year.
However, I am appreciative of the New Year’s reminder that perfect balance is not necessary every single day. Tonight, I plan to drink too much, wear too many sequins, and stay out too late. I feel no pressure to get all that out of my system, though, because I can do it all again any day, anytime.
This coming year, part of the balance I always strive for includes truly letting go, allowing myself to dive into every celebration with freedom and excitement, not scheduling and anxiety. I may go over the edge, because I trust my intuition, and I know I am more than capable of pulling myself back. Give and take: that is balance defined.
Whatever you do tonight, I hope you are able to let yourself go. And if you’d like, I hope you can take the evening to an appropriate level of excess. Tell me, what are your plans?
Related posts:
Loved this post, as I always find it ironic that most people will lose all self control this time of year only to vainly attempt to grab it back for the next couple of weeks. Every day is an opportunity to “resolve” any issues you have, and an opportunity to become just a little bit better at whatever you’re aiming to do.
Actually, I loved that you said you’re going to eat too much, drink too much and wear too many sequins, as I’ve been debating my plans for the night. I think I’m going to go out–only for a couple hours–and have a cocktail with friends like “normal” people do. I hope not to worry about the “unclean” benefits of it, the fact that I will have to come home and shower the smoke out of my hair, etc. and remember that it’s one night–make the most of it–and tomorrow there will be another chance.
Happy New Year!
I completely agree- why let the calender dictate when you’re going to make changes in your life?
I’m not sure what my plans are yet- but enjoy your night
It’s like people who say, “I’ll go on a diet on January 1.” Why wait? Each day is the same — the calendar is really a made-up thing — so why not start change today?
Great post, Leslie. Loved it – and completely agree.
Hope you’re hanging in there with all your busyness and enjoy a beautiful new year!
We’re heading to Pittsburgh for a party – I can’t wait!
I absolutely adore this post! I completely agree about finding and maintaining a sense of balance. Beautifully written.
wishing you a very happy safe and healthy new year, lovely lady!
rebecca <3
You are so right darling I hope you have the happiest of new years and enjoy it in each and every way you know how. Have a blast tonight and every other night and day in the future. Sometimes that calls for indulgences and other times it does not but you are always such an inspiration for a balance of both. I cannot wait to see you in the new year dear friend!
i agree that i go insane on random tuesday nights of the year, so NYE isnt really that much diff…but it is a step into a new year and mindset. I hope that being balanced and appreciative every day is something I can achieve in ‘10.
xoxoxoxo
lolo
you are very right! and i absolutely can’t stand all the diet pills/diet plans that start coming around this time of year. ugh, can’t wait for February when everyone stops their resolutions, lol.
as for tonight, I will be hanging around with my family and definitely not staying up til midnight. Yes, I do believe I am an 80 year old woman trapped in a 21 year old body ;]
This is a fantastic post Lesley. You are a beautiful writer, and a very insightful person.
I wish i were able to do yoga as you do…20 mins appears to be my limit…and only the relaxing kind
Congrats on settling into your new place!
I think your explanation of celebrating the new year is right on target. It’s a reason, but not an excuse. Do what makes you feel happy and alive, and leave it at that.
I rang in the New Year very quietly, with some friends and wine, and it was really nice. Hope you had a great time!