I have been pondering the phrase “new beginnings” as it pertains to this new year. I am trying to find something new, as it appears this year is shaping up to look a lot like 2020. Masks, etc. You know the drill. But it is a new year…with January almost gone.
The beginning of a new year excites me. When I was a child, for some strange reason, I felt the need to tidy up my room that I shared with my sister, Janice. We would get in there and really shape it up. It was restorative to move things around and discard things that we thought were things we would keep forever. I think back on those days with great fondness.
What do we keep and what do we discard? I want to keep a spirit of gratefulness for the things in my life that I love. Keeping a grateful heart is reminding ourselves constantly of the good in our lives. I don’t know about you, but I can be pulled down quickly in my thoughts. It’s at that time I must stop and remind myself of blessings. It’s little things like my snowdrops coming up in the flower bed and notes from friends. Family, friends, and wonderful people that I work with give great meaning to my life. FaceTime with my grandchildren is the best treasure.
I want to keep a creative spirit. I love to sew and quilt, along with playing the piano. I have lost that creative spirit somewhere along the way during this pandemic. Today I am going to begin a creative journey of finishing some sewing projects that I started, dragging out tote bags of needlework and enjoying every stitch—even if I only have time to make a few stitches.
Discarding is easy for me. I am discarding TV programs that do not refresh, restore, or give me encouragement. I am a hopeless romantic and can still watch The Sound of Music a million times and rejoice when the magnificent organ sounds for the wedding march. I love White Christmas, especially the “Sisters” song, and I marvel at the tiny waists and stunning garments that are worn. Who doesn’t love old movies? I watched Pillow Talk with Doris Day and immediately set about to find vintage patterns for those fabulous coats she wore. When Calls the Heart on Hallmark is a favorite of mine. Once again, the vintage clothes are fabulous. When I finish watching something, I want to have a song in my heart and feel good. Is that total reality? No, but I don’t need or want any more reality.
Discouragement has occupied all our thoughts during this time. Let’s discard that and find ways to replace it with hope, faith, and love. Let’s have hope that this pandemic will be over soon, faith that our doctors will continue to develop cures, and love for those who have been touched by this or who have fears.
How can I be helpful to someone during this time? Can I make a difference while distancing? Yes, and we must. I am finding simple text messages are great way of connecting, and the old-fashioned telephone call is wonderful. Hearing another’s voice is exciting, and texting cannot catch the voice emphasis that is so wonderful. Laughing, crying, telling tales, and just having conversation is a personal connection that I love. We can share our hearts and encourage one another. Let’s do it!