It’s 2019: three-hundred-sixty-five blank pages ahead. How shall I fill them? Will I reduce my consumption of anxiety-provoking news and current events? Will I use the new dumbbells I ordered last week? Will I add to my “home gym” (i.e., corner of the living room) the new weight bench I have my eye on? How about reverting to low-sugar and starch consumption: will I be successful at that, once again? Will I write (nearly) every day? Will I edit my NaNoWriMo “novel”? Will I get back in the kayak, even though I flipped it and landed in cold Lake Superior getting in, and getting out, tearing the seat of my pants in the process?
I failed so abysmally at kayaking, and yet, I was hooting and hollering and laughing at myself, as I splashed, and fumbled, and slipped on the rocks, attempting to right the damn thing and dump the gallons of water out. Despite my anxiety, and inability to glide across the lake effortlessly on my first go, I was thrilled that at fifty-five, I bought my first touring lake kayak and had the courage to get in it. It’s sitting in the snow-covered cabin, waiting for me to return, and try again this summer.
I feel optimistic about the new year. I don’t always feel optimistic at the start of a new year, so this bodes well. On January 1, 2017 and 2018, I was pretty much checked out, emotionally. I wasn’t in a pit of despair; I just wasn’t “there.” It’s interesting to feel like I’m beginning to stir, sniffing the scents outside my den, when we are here, in the dead of winter. I’m feeling optimism at age fifty-five, when a few years back, I thought the best was behind me. I am willing to allow, I may have been wrong about that.
Three-hundred-sixty-five blank pages in the year 2019 to be filled however I wish. Here we go.
I love your enthusiasm and excitement. I used to feel the best part of my life was over, but then everything changed in my 50’s. I’m following my dream and I have been reborn. Can’t wait to see what the year will bring you! 🙂
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Judy, I wish I had the courage to stop my law job now and chase my dream full time. I keep telling myself I have plenty of time to write when I’m not working, and I should keep socking away the money while I can so I will (if I’m lucky) have no major worries about supporting myself in my old age. With no partner and no children, I am reluctant to walk away now. Two more years, tops. They’ll push me out by then whether I’m ready to go, or not.
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Two years will fly by – your path is awaiting you. It’s kind of like you’re mindset is already there. You’ve got a new life ahead. In my heart, I know it will work out great for you. 🙂
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Go girl go
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Thanks for cheering me on!
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Can’t wait to read about how you decide to fill them.
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Thanks, Donna!
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Carpe diem! Btw Funny kayak story! Hope 2019 turns out great for u!
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