theme

A theme that strikes a chord

I like the idea of replacing New Year’s resolutions with a central theme – a mantra to help synchronize our spirits with our daily activities, an internal compass to help us find our center when the world seems to be spinning out of control. I’ve chosen a single word to set the tone for 2008: Harmony.

 

This year, I’m striving for a four-part harmony between what I say, what I think, what I feel and what I do. Where there’s dissonance, I’ll work for peace; when I hit a false note, I’ll ask for forgiveness and resolve to do better. Every day, I get to add fresh music to the symphony of my life. In 2008, I want to play the clear, pure notes of authenticity, courage, wisdom and grace. 

The Chinese ideogram for Harmony includes two characters: the character for rice, on the left, and the character for mouth, on the right.  To have rice to eat is to be in harmony, a metaphor as beautiful as the characters themselves. I’ve added this image to my desktop as a daily reminder of my theme. I’m going to post these quotations on my filing cabinet, as well:

 

Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed. Always aim at purifying your thoughts and everything will be well. Mahatma Gandhi

 

Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer. Go some distance away because then the work appears smaller and more of it can be taken in at a glance and a lack of harmony and proportion is more readily seen. Leonardo da Vinci

 

Three Rules of Work: Out of clutter find simplicity; from discord find harmony; In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity. Albert Einstein

 

The highest education is that which does not merely give us information but makes our life in harmony with all existence. Rabindranath Tagore

 

Grant that I may become beautiful in my soul within, and that all my external possessions may be in harmony with my inner self. Plato

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. I Peter 3:8 (NIV)

People use music as a utensil to better themselves. Jessica Simpson (Okay, so I threw that one in to see if you were still paying attention.)

Here’s to a happy, harmonious New Year for all of us!

A Year of Magical Thinking

I’ll be honest: I rarely keep my resolutions past mid-February. I’m not one who’s easily defeated, though, which is why I’m looking forward to a new approach in 2007. Namely, I’ll be rockin’ the new year around a theme.  

I’ve co-opted the theme of last year’s Rose Parade, “It’s Magical.”  Yes, I’m serious, so please stifle that urge to laugh and roll your eyes!

I know, I know. It’ll take more than a magic wand and a liberal sprinkling of pixie dust to make my dreams for 2007 come true. I’m nothing if not practical. But this theme suits the wide-eyed, generally optimistic outlook I have about life. Also, I’m thinking it’ll help provide balance for my analytical tendencies. And corny as it seems, it’s a good reminder to whistle while I work. Metaphorically speaking, of course.

I’m partnering my creative-minded theme with a left-brained plan. I’ll call it a parade route, just to keep that metaphor rolling. I’ve written out a few fitness goals (I can easily fit back into those size-4 Sevens by late spring), and I’m ready to tackle my organization-related objectives (a decluttered office…no more wishful thinking). My highest priority is being a loving mother, wife, and friend, but selling my first book would rank among the most magical accomplishments of all. 

Happy New Year’s Eve!* I wish for you a New Year that’s happy, healthy, peace-filled, and magical. 

(*Pour yourself a glass of bubbly, then drop off your predictions for 2007 here.)