Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes
“I took off for a weekend last month just to try and recall the whole year.
All of the faces and all of the places, Wonderin’ where they all disappeared.”
Well, it wasn’t a weekend, and it was just a few days ago, but I started to ponder life changes in 2018 as it comes to an end. It’s a cathartic exercise I highly recommend. But go gently. It ain’t easy sometimes. Quite a few "WTF was I thinking" moments. But worth the effort.
Last year at this time I was heading up a small non-profit, a job I thought was perfect for me...which turned out to be WAY not true. Today, I’m in a new non-profit job, one I didn’t initially think I wanted but now so happy to be there. Life is funny or crazy, both. A year ago, I just started regularly seeing people for Reiki sessions, sharing a small office in a yoga studio with my friend and Reiki master. A year later, we’re in a beautiful, spacious office of our own and I’m offering Reiki to many more people. As I’ve said to many, five years ago I couldn’t imagine I’d be doing this and yet, here I am. It is so rewarding.
“It’s those changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes, nothing remains quite the same.”
Many people have come in to and gone out of my life circle in 2018. Trying to maintain connections is hard, even in the age of e-mail and social media… maybe especially so. I’m ok with keeping contact with an Instagram or Facebook post but I miss the deeper face-to-face connection with those friends who have physically moved away. I miss you! To new friends who have crossed my path in 2018, I’m glad you did. I met a lot good people while working in The Cov. (one great takeaway from the thought to be perfect job) For some of you, our paths may not cross again. For others, we’ve made lasting friendships. And there’s my inner circle, my tribe. Friends old and new who I can always count on to hold me up…and call me out. I love you all.
There are people who have left the planet and passed on back to spirit in 2018, to the next great adventure; one young man in particular who was hit by a car and spent a week in ICU clinging to life. I will never forget him or his mom and dad, who courageously fought to save him, then courageously let him go. Rock on, shining soul! Lots of love to mom and dad.
“Reading departure signs in some big airport reminds of places I’ve been.
Visions of good times that brought so much pleasure makes me want to go back again.”
Got back to the beach in 2018 with family. Siesta Key. My happy place. There is something soul healing at that beach. Immersing myself in the salt water and a slow pace of beach life is a magic elixir. Took in some Reds baseball games in the summer, my favorite sport. Hiked with friends in southern Tennessee in the fall. Beautiful scenery, better company. I’ll get back to the beach in 2019 and head to the Colorado Rockies too.
“Oh yesterdays are over my shoulder, so I can’t look back for too long.
There’s just too much to see waiting in front of me and I know that I just can’t go wrong.”
I made mistakes in 2018. (as in every year) Hope I’ve learned well the lessons they taught. There were some hard lessons. Before 2018 ends, I will revisit some of those, just to heal any lingering wounds. Did some good things too. Shined my God-Light a little more brightly I think, I hope.
Looking forward to all the people, the adventures, the joys, the loves and losses, the pleasures and pains 2019 will bring. Intending it to be a year of good health, happiness and growth (partners with pain sometimes...most times, dammit). I hope the same for you. Keep your light shining brightly and I’ll mine. Maybe we’ll find each other on a white sandy beach under a warm sun and walk together for a while… and have some laughs and share some love along the way. Happy New Year.
“With these changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes, nothing remains quite the same.
Through all of the islands and all of the highlands if we couldn’t laugh we would all go insane.
If we weren’t all crazy we would go insane.” - Jimmy Buffett