For a few weeks leading up to the advent of 2012, I tried to think of what to make my theme for the year. 2010 was simplicity. 2011 was zestful living. (I don't remember anything past that, sorry!) And honestly, my theme for 2011 had been so wonderful and had such an impact on my life that I sort of found myself wanting to go "Um, yeah, I'll just stick to that one."
Because, despite the fact that I still always think of "zesty Italian dressing," the idea of "zestful living" just resonates deep into my bones. For some reason, that phrase encapsulates just about everything I want out of my life: Joy, peace, laughter, forgiveness, love, contentment. As Thoreau said, "sucking the marrow out of life"—but in a way that is wholesome and life-giving, not exhausting.
And so I wasn't sure how I could top that theme.
On the afternoon of New Year's day, we of course sang the obligatory (and only) New Year's hymn (which I happen to actually really love): Ring Out, Wild Bells. As we began to sang the second verse, the first lines caught in my throat:
Ring in the valiant men and free
The larger heart, the kindlier hand
Yes, I thought as we sang. That is what I want 2012 to be. The year of the larger heart, the kindlier hand. I want 2012 to be a year of open-heartedness, a year of letting go of small-mindedness, of bitterness, of hurt and anger. I want 2012 to be a year of generosity and gratitude. And so, probably, I'll still spend a lot of time thinking about "zestful living"—which may just be my new life theme. But I'm going to spend some time, as well, pondering large-heartedness.
And maybe, just maybe, at the end of the year I'll be able to look back and say Yes. 2012 was the "year of the larger heart", indeed.
Just have to point out that "Come Let Us Anew" is also a New Year's hymn: "roll round with the year..." ;)
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of a personal theme. When I read Julie Morgenstern's "Time Management from the Inside Out" {which I really need to re-read!}, I chose "Everyday Fulfillment" as my theme. I like that it has dual meanings (feeling fulfilled everyday) AND (finding fulfillment in everyday things).
I need one of those hearts too...
ReplyDeleteI love that hymn as well. And I love reading your writing. :-)
ReplyDeleteI think I need to do some searching and come up with a theme for my year. I sort of did last year, but I honestly forgot about it for most of the year, and I don't want to do that again. I want to find something that resonates with me enough that it comes back to me in day-to-day living.
Megan - hm, true! I wonder why I've never sung it on New Year's then?
ReplyDeleteMom - I so hear you!
Shannon - Thanks! :) My yearly theme idea sort of emerged over the past 5 years or so.