New Year's Eve - a time for looking back and forward. I love occasions, as those who know me know about me. When I was young, I thought that meant going out and partying like there was no tomorrow and I do look back on those times very fondly. Now, however, I don't need that partying to 'make' the occasion. The occasion makes itself. It has its own significance, more so with each passing year. One of the incredible unsought, unexpected gifts of time passing.
Another of these gifts is the falling away of the irrelevant, the petty, the self-interested, the narrow and shallow to allow the wonder of the love you receive, the generosity of others, the courage shown by human beings - the species you'd almost written off as hopeless - to shine through.
My whole life changed in 2013. Nothing went on as I'd expected. From running like a mad thing for the past 25 years, I suddenly had little to concentrate on but myself. People may think they think a lot about themselves but, if you're like me, you suddenly find that was totally superficial. Now it was 'the real thing'.
From being the one on whom everyone could depend I became dependent; from being the physically strong one I became kitten weak; from having my well-worn path to follow I was off the track (and everyone knows I'm geographically challenged).
Thank you to the family who continue to give love and inspire it in me, who give kindness and inspire it in me and are there for me. May we always be there for each other.
Thank you to the friends who have shared with me, cared about me, trusted me and shown me love and kindness. Without you both life and 2013 would have been much bleaker instead of the joyous experience it has been.
Thank you to the world of heroes who have allowed me to exercise my conscience in our mutual pursuit of a just and safe world for all people, creatures and Gaia.
Happy 2014 to all.
