A new day, a new year, a new beginning. Each year, on the first of January, we look back on the year that has passed and we try to see the good, the bad, to figure out how to make things better. We try to learn form the past, and probably, on this day, we also spend a lot of time imagining a better future.
We have 365 days to change what needs changing, to become better, smarter, happier. Our hearts filled up with renewed hope and dreams and expectations, we make plans and lists.
The first of the January marks the day when we start pursuing other things. The ones we don’t have, the ones we need. Some see this as a flaw; we never seem to appreciate what we already have. I see this as our most impressive quality.
I made a list of things I want to do in 2013. But I’m also aware that each day is a new beginning, that each day I can choose to be who I want to be, do the things I want to do, and fight the battles I want to fight.
Living in the present, being aware that every second that passes is a second we never get back, is just as important as making lists and plans. Maybe that’s something we should never forget. That our dreams don’t suddenly come true… that our dreams don’t only exist in a distant future.
Our dreams also exist in the here and now and what we choose to do with our time and energy. Small steps… not big leaps, that’s what we should all be aiming for. It’s easier, it might also feel like standing still, but every step, no matter how small, can only get us closer to our destination. Even if at times, because of us or the world around us, we might have to go in the opposite direction.
Other times, we lose our way. This happens to the very best of us. We don’t know what we want anymore, what’s important, what’s good.
Maybe that’s why making lists and plans, setting objectives and goals, is a good thing. Because that way we don’t lose track of what we really want most.
This is the first day in a new year. I wish you never forget what you set out to do on this day. What your biggest wish was. If you know that, even if you somehow find yourself a million miles away from your destination, you’ll still be able to find your way.
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Hanks, Cristian. It is a good idea. :-)
Phenomenal. All that ice is hard on the vegetation but beautiful to look at.
Well said. Have a happy, productive 2013.
I love this! Thank you.
I'm 62 years old and i see I must have been doing some things wrong NO differnley. look back was never a good thing for me and now I find I need to find what i want to make come true for me and for that it would require a goal. I'm at a lose since my husband died; he would rewrite what i needed. By this time you can see from reading this I don't write well or have the comand of spelling. I so enjoy reading what you write and how you think as well most of your stuff is uplifting and get one's ass in gear to do something. I thank you for taht so at this time I'm going to make a list of what I know needes to be done the book of my husband writtings my photos some how a new and better leave then I am now.
may this new year be a new beginning for all of us and may it bring you the gift you have and given us as well thank you. NEW BEGINNING FOR ONE AND ALL
I am still trying to find where I misplaced my 2012 list… I believe the last entry was "Write wish list for 2013." Yes, that was it.
beautiful… why do we wait to begin again?
I always know what I have to do to better myself. The question is, can I get myself to do it?
Reblogged this on The Boston Harbor Picayune and commented:
Beautiful sentiment for the day!
I hope this is the first of many fine days of the year 2013!
I did my resolutions beginning of last year and I'm still continuing on my path….hopefully 2013 will bring a new life for all of us!
Hi Cristian, Another great post! Happy new year!
Happy New Year :0)
To move forward, we must believe in something greater than ourselves. What dream is it that you realized in 2012? How do you build on that in 2013?
For myself, 2012 was an amazing year. I accomplished four of six dreams. The other two are in progress. How do I top that this year? I don't. I don't have to. My path is not to constantly climb larger mountains, but to find new ways, and find those paths that may have been overlooked before. I want to see the amazing vistas that I have never seen before. This doesn't necessarily mean higher mountains – just different ones.
You are right about charting our course through our goals. If we can see the stars (our goals) and their relative positions to guide us, we will never be lost, even if we are off course.
Happy New Year.
Christian, I echo your sentiments. A happy and healthy new year, in all ways. Enjoy the bumps as well as the smoothness of your roads.
Reblogged this on Artis Blog and commented:
Very well written entry and a new years day reading.
i just wanted to thank you. i didn't make my list yet; but i did a post. i hope you enjoy it i wish it was better worded but your the one of words i'm the one of two by four between the eyes
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Well said. Happy New Year.
You are right- small steps bring us closer to our destination. We don't need to make impressive leaps, only believe enough to take the next step.
Happy New Year! And all the best with accomplishing your goals.
Ciao,
Patricia
Cristian,
I loved the "[...]I’m also aware that each day is a new beginning, that each day I can choose to be who I want to be, do the things I want to do, and fight the battles I want to fight [...]" part. And I totally agree with that.
Happy New Year!
mmkng
Reblogged this on Troy Blevins.
Fantastic winter pastels!
Living in the present is a great way to live – just not always easy to achieve.
Happy New Year :)
Happy New Year! Eat more cookies!
So true: "Living in the present, being aware that every second that passes is a second we never get back" …. beautifully written:)
Me, too, seedlingsofhope!
I appreciate what you wrote on this subject. The goals I set for myself a few years ago are very different to now. I think the small steps make all the difference and for me, taking a break and taking an overall look at the picture before carrying on.
Awesome. :) I am going to reblog this one. :)
Happy New Year! I always make new years reso's but never end up keeping them. I guess the year goes by and I slowly become less motivated. Mine for this year are blog more, smile more and fight less. Now, please stop being so motivational. It makes the rest of us (the small bloggers like me) look less inspirational. ;)
So very true. My partner and I have been planning to do the list thing, but haven't got round to it this year. Although we've talked about what we want/need to do differently and, it seems, are on the same page, so to speak! All the best for 2013 :-)
Cristian, you have had a great year and I wish you much success and happiness in 2013!!
Thanks for putting my thoughts into words :) Happy New Year!
Cristian, this was yet another beautiful post. This is probably one of the most uplifting things I have ever read regarding January 1. Thank you so much for this.
I like your idea of taking small steps. Best wishes in 2013!
Thank you for sharing this, Christian! Its true that we have to take small steps at a time. A small but calculated steps. So eventhough we might miss one flight of stairs, we won't fall that hard with head first. We can still be able to hold onto a balustrade. I also agree that making plans and setting goals are integral part of reaching our dreams, our aspiration. And thinking about these deeply, I have found myself visualizing my near future. And I really like what I see.
Lovely picture. Here's to new beginnings!
You are so right in this comment: "Other times, we lose our way. This happens to the very best of us. We don’t know what we want anymore, what’s important, what’s good." – And thoughts like this constantly happen no matter what age you are. I always have to think that if I am at least still on the right path (there may be twists and turns along the way) then I am doing the "right" thing for me. Great post!
I like the idea in your last paragraph of having a beacon by which you can always find your way. Sort of like when I lived in Paris for five weeks and lived near the Eiffel Tower. I could look for it and always find my way home. I think the key is creating a dream no matter how far fetched it may seem now. Happy New Year, Christian!
happy new year,,, and best of luck with your plans
Happy New Year Cristian, and what an eloquently put beautiful thought to start off with!
Nice post. Plans go awry amd life gets messy but somehow something fascinating or wonderful comes out of the myriad experiences. Guess that is partly why we writers write!
So true! Concise and eloquent, thanks for this Cristian! Jamy <|:oD
'renewed hopes and dreams and expectations' sometime bring more trouble and an unhappy year. I say less hope, less expectations and take it as it comes. But to be positive, like you, here's to a new begining! :)
A beautiful picture. As the snow melts I hope your year becomes softer and easier. Happy New Year.
A beautiful post Christian. My best wishes to you for a new year filled with great joy, good health and beautiful light. Also, the image in this post is spectacular not just for the composition or the scene it shows but for all the feelings it conveys as well. A truly lovely image captured by a pro.
It is never too late to look at life and take steps to start anew, looking forward for what the world can bring. But do not throw away the previous experiences. Use them to strengthen you and to help others by being able to give them advice from what you learnt in your previous years.
That experience is part of your wisdom, no matter you can write or read in whatever language, as long as you make sure you can bring over the message.
God luck.
So well said and what a stunning photograph. Lovely.
It's going to be a great year. Never lose that spirit of pursuing your dreams and goals. Set forth with the wind of experience and encouragement behind you as you go forward into 2013.
Brilliant, you are.
Peace and love for the new year and a lot of presence in mind, you are absolutely right!
Happy New Year, my friend. Gotta tell ye one thing: Keep writing. :)
Well said, and a beautiful photo! Thank you!
"Living in the present, being aware that every second that passes is a second we never get back, is just as important as making lists and plans. Maybe that’s something we should never forget. That our dreams don’t suddenly come true… that our dreams don’t only exist in a distant future."
Thank you for this. :)
I love your perspective. Reaching for what you want means you have to acknowledge it first.
I often tell my students and my children that every day is a new beginning – may our lists evolve as we grow and acknowledge where we are at any given moment.
Thanks for writing as you do; while you might write for yourself :), your readers benefit.
Just a note, Cristian, I'm writing an article about irevuo for my newspaper that's rolling along quite smoothly, so here's my Christmas gift to you. Happy 2013, ya crazy Romanian.
Wow. Thanks. When it's ready, I wanna see it.
Beautiful photo! I like what you wrote: “Small steps… not big leaps, that’s what we should all be aiming for. It’s easier, it might also feel like standing still, but every step, no matter how small, can only get us closer to our destination.” Sometimes when we’re feeling discouraged, that’s a good reminder! Even if we’re only taking small steps it’s still moving towards our goal. Encouraging!
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Tomorrow is a new day, one step at a time! Love this! Thank you – Yvonne
Wonderful and positive thinking…wish you best of luck and success in 2013 and all the years to follow!
I must say; beautifully written. So true as well, nice to be reminded that every day is a chance to change for the better. Thank you!