NEW YEARS 2025 - Ten Questions

During the 'holiday interim week' I try to do a little reflecting.  I have ongoing appreciation for my family and friends.  I don't take for granted my health or comfortable lifestyle.  But there's always room for improvement--right?  So I consider what I can do to better myself and make my life more fulfilling.  The answers are pretty universal:  Be present and authentic; Strive for balance in my life; Show more kindness; Live responsibly; Keep my mind and body active. Nothing like another new year to inspire the same old goals and resolutions!

Socrates wrote, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”

So, I compiled a list of ten questions that might be an alternative way to approach the new year. Answering them was thought provoking and gives me food for thought.  What should I be doing differently? Here are my answers; you can think about yours if it moves you.

1.  WHAT MATTERS MOST TO YOU RIGHT NOW?

This year it’s about finding a way to hold on to democracy and unity, and finding our way back to tolerance and goodwill among ourselves as a nation.    

The same matters to me on an intimate level--I care about peace and harmony in my family and life.  

2.  WHAT ARE YOUR THREE CORE VALUES?

Do Unto Others, Honesty, and Generosity.  And most importantly, to live by them.

3.  WHAT'S YOUR DEFINITION OF A LIFE WELL-LIVED?

Creating a family that is close and loving; finding your passion--something you find meaningful and fulfilling; the knowledge that you are a good person; finding peace as you age--with no regrets, no unresolved issues, full with gratitude and self-acceptance.  

4.  WHAT ARE SOME LIFE-LESSONS YOU'VE LEARNED? 

Never stop expanding your mind.  Trust your gut feeling.  Respect is key to every good relationship.  Don't tell anyone anything you don't want remembered.  If what you do has to be be kept secret--don't do it.  Fight fair.  Independence is liberating.  Attitude is everything.  Always take the high road.  Do what you're good at.  Life is short.  A mother is only as happy as her least happy child.  If in doubt, don't.  If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.  Don't spend to save.  Be the person your dog thinks you are.  

5.  WHAT BRINGS YOU HAPPINESS?

Beauty in art and nature.  Finding creative outlets.  Having a healthy, independent and happily married daughter.  Coming home to my sanctuary and being greeted by my sweet pup.  Spending time with good friends.   

6.  WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR MOTTO?

Life is good. 

7.  WHAT ONE WORD DO YOU THINK CHARACTERIZES YOU?  

Positive   

 

8.  WHO ARE YOU TODAY COMPARED WITH TEN YEARS AGO?

Ten years ago I had an epiphany--if I stayed where I was, my life would continue in the same routine--which was not truly satisfying.  I decided to move to Oregon (which made logistical sense) and build a house.  It took courage and was quite adventurous for me.  Since then, I've found an independence which I now cherish.  I built the house, I now love to travel alone, and I feel very self-sufficient.  Of course all this was with the love and support of my family and friends.

9.  WHERE DO YOU (HOPE TO) SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS?

Right here.  To be honest, I do have hopes.  But I try to live in the present--not dwell on the past or long for the future.

10.  HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED? 

I'd like to be remembered as having lived with grace and dignity, being kind and generous, and as a person who stayed young at heart.  I'd hope I was remembered as a good daughter, a good mother, and a good friend. This quote says it all.  

"When you were born, you were crying 
and everyone around you was smiling.
  Live your life so that when you die,
 you're the one who is smiling
 and everyone around you is crying."

Happy New Year!