no guilt new year
/Time to be proud of ourselves! Proud of who we are, of what we do that’s right and good, proud of how much we like ourselves. Really?
We’re not talking bravado, fake ego, delusion -- we’re talking about a deeply rooted sense of being OK with how we operate in the world, how we give and take, believing that people are lucky to have us as a friend, a family member, a mate.
Yes, we’re talking about being pretty good folk.
Not there yet? How do we make it happen?
Not by losing weight or buying a new wardrobe, though who doesn’t need a wink in the mirror and a little shake, shake, shake in all the right places. In fact, go do it now!
But for long-term peace and joy -- those two words that go together like mistletoe and a very attractive stranger -- it’s about being the kind of person you’d like as a true friend, you want along for the holidays and the dull days after, you admire because they set a higher standard of integrity and love. Two other pretty special words.
Sound sappy? Maybe. Yet those I’ve shared the following list with, written by Author and Rabbi Evan Moffic, stopped and nodded. Aware there’s another way to begin a new year than resolving to fix what’s wrong to get more money, better health, smarter relationships, to become that attractive stranger.
All good goals.
But how about listing the things we already do right. With all of us hoping, praying, wishing to be the people we want to be, let’s take a moment to embrace Evan Moffic’s simple self-praise built around the times we were proud to just be us:
The times we let new people into our lives.
The times we forgave.
The times we spoke honestly when fudging the truth would have made us look better.
The times we shared what we had with those who needed it.
The times we gave without having to be asked.
The times we did what was right instead of what was easy.
The times we refused to gossip.
The times we listened without judging.
The times we cared for God’s creation.
The times we let others take credit.
The times we let go of our anger.
The times we did not give up.
The times we opened doors instead of closing them.
The times we did not separate ourselves from the community.
The times we did not hide from ourselves.
The times we spoke words of kindness.
The times we spoke words of justice.
The times we brought peace to our home.
The times we apologized—and meant it.
The times we lived for something larger than ourselves.
No, we didn’t chose ourselves, but we’re stuck with ourselves, through thick and thin, whether we are thick or thin, through old and young -- please make it young! -- through richer or poorer. Each and every day, it’s still us. If it’s going to be a lifelong relationship, may as well be stuck with someone who fills you with pride.
Shalom. Namaste. Assalamu Alaikum. May peace be with you. Happy New Year to all.