New Year's Eve

Every day I see or hear something that more or less infuses me with delight, that leaves me like a needle in the haystack of light. It was what I was born for - to look, to listen, to lose myself inside this soft world - to instruct myself over and over in joy, and acclamation. Nor am I talking about the exceptional, the fearful, the dreadful, the very extravagant - but of the ordinary, the common, the very drab, the daily presentations. Oh, good scholar, I say to myself, how can you help but grow wise with such teachings as these – the untrimmable light of the world, the ocean's shine, the prayers that are made out of grass?

~ Mary Oliver

And so another year ends. 

This morning when I awoke, I promised to spend at least one hour a day cleaning my house, clearing out the clutter, tossing papers, unused items, anything that doesn't add joy or beauty to my life and inner sanctum.  Home is where the heart is, and I want mine to be healthy and happy. 

After working on one corner of the family room, and seeing how it "breathed" again, now free from cobwebs and chaos I, too, breathed easier.  Smiled inside.  Knew I was that much closer to being able to invite friends over for a cuppa tea.

It will take time.  I know.  It took nearly thirteen years to get like this but, God willing, it won't take a fraction of that time to get back to its original state. When I bought this house, it was magical.  Everything was so beautiful, clean and inviting.  Now, I can hardly sit down.  And, who knows where anything is?  I've often said that a person's home directly reflects their state-of-mind and, more importantly, their heart.  My house looks how I feel on the inside:  disorganized, unkempt, and unhappy with some of the "rooms."

With a new year comes a resurgance of energy.  I plan to use the momentum to, not just make some half-baked New Year's resolutions, but to ride the tide of rejuvenation and rebirth.  2010 promises to be a better year.  For our nation, the world and our personal lives.  It's time.  It's all about time.

So one little corner of one big room has been cleaned.  It looks happier.  I feel better.  We're off to a good start.  Each day I vow to spend at least one hour in SPACE:  sorting, purging, arranging, cleaning and ENJOYING my new digs and new outlook on life.  Sweetie Sue and the kits gathered around me this morning as I worked, with one-pointed attention, on one corner of one room.  As if to say, "You can do it, Mommy!" I felt their encouragement and loving presence.  It means so much and spurs me onward.

So as I bid adieu to 2009 and welcome 2010, I hope to try harder, live happier and work with more joyfulness and passion.  And leave the rest to the unquantifiable powers that BE:  the heavens, the stars and pure Divinity.

Let the New Year begin. . .