Friday, December 31, 2010

BEGIN

Challenged here to select a word for this next year I thought I would have difficulty in selecting only one to use as my guide, my inspiration for 2011. That is until I started my list for January, those pesky chores that lay awaiting my attention...bumped repeatedly ahead to deal with next month or perhaps the month after that....


From the small ~ touching up the kitchen cabinets, to the large ~ repainting the  garage floor, to the enormous ~ when to move, if to move, and where to move. Big pesky, oh dear, what to do things.


Things can pile up on us, the humdrum of every day and the emotional roller coasters; all can make us rush in, throw us off course, set us plunging toward the wrong directions, the wrong answers. Or we can get out of our own way and just 
BE STILL.


Ignore the life buzzings in the ears, the restless flutter of nerves, and simply listen...
BE STILL

Last year I chose as a mantra the power of forgiveness, the power of grace. If any of you made it down to the bottom of my playlist you encountered Alice Peacock. I placed her there because the song profoundly matters to me but is not exactly holiday worthy.The song says it all.

So, properly empowered, I knew that now I must move forward, no longer mired in the quicksand of the past, yet afraid to head off into any direction, instead spinning round and round systematically screwing myself back further down into the muck.
BE STILL
BE CALM

In the calm I find my way, one step at a time, prepared to change direction if that is where I am led. I have learned this past year that I cannot get there by thought alone; action, any action however small must be taken, and so the word I chose...
 BEGIN

I don't need to seek the endings, only the beginnings, I need only to start, a step, a first thought, a hatchling of an idea. Get out of my own way... 
BEGIN.


It is a New Year with all the plump buds of promise and possibility. I wish you warmth and health, and laughter and joy. I wish you peace in this new year, and leave you with gratitude for touching however briefly into this place with your visits and your words. You matter to me, truly you do, and I strive to treat you with love and kindness here in my world.

Be Well
Be Happy
Be At Peace

Suzan

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is  essential is invisible to the eye.
Antoine de Saint-Exupery

with gratitude always to Macky.

26 comments:

Jane said...

You are such an eloquent writer. Wishing you a wonderful 2011!
Jane

the old white house said...

Your last couple of posts have been so personal and thought provoking, I haven't picked out a word for 2011 but I am feeling like change is coming, I'm not sure whether it's because I'm turning 50 or just because this blogging world has opened my eyes to endless possibilities it doesn't really matter, I like the feeling it's bringing! I wish I could write as lovely as you, but that is yours to claim! May 2011 bring you many wonderful beginnings... Theresa xoxo

The French Bear said...

Happy New Year!!!!
Wishing you lots of love and laughter in the coming new year!
Hugs,
Margaret B

The Boston Lady said...

Being up by myself at the beginning of the New Year, it was somehow right to read your words. And I agree. Begin. Ann

Char said...

happy new year - i hope your new year is filled with all wonderful and beautiful things. i'm glad to have met you this year and look forward to getting to know you more.

xo

Jules said...

For an Old Grey Mare you sure have a heart of gold. Begin.. love that thought :)

Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

gail said...

Happy New Year, and I love your inspiring post! Follow your heart, and you will follow the right path. I would add another word....Listen. Listen to your inner voice. It's in there among all the other stuff, and it will guide you!
hugs,
gail

erin's art and gardens said...

do not be afraid to begin.....we will be right there with you.....

happy new year, sweety!

erin
xxoo

D.B. said...

Getting out of your own way can be difficult but it must be done. Happy New Year, friend.

Pooch Purple Reign said...

my word will be ch-ch-ch-changes, i have begun, dont have any clue where im going or how it will change... but it WILL be a year of change.
cheers to you
stay sweet
~laura xx

marcia said...

Yes.. BEGIN and be HAPPY!
Wishing you love and peace in the new year! So glad I met ya!

happy day!

beth said...

happy new year...
and of all the people "beginning" i think you are the most prepared to live up to your word !!

My Grama's Soul said...

I love the three words be still....be calm and begin!!

Hugs,

Jo

Faded Charm said...

I'm liking your "Be Still" motto. This is one I'd like to try andlive by in the new year. Maybe then some of the stress will fade away.

I'm so glad I've gotten to know you a little bettter this last year and look forward to more of our chats in the new year.

Best wishes.

Kathleen

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Hi Dear Suzan
I think it will be a year of beginnings for both of us.. at least I hope so.. I let go of so much last year.. i need to start new in this one.. by motto will be 'Happiness'.. to find a little each day...

I hope this year will be our best yet! ...xxx Julie

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

This is a keeper for me and makes me hold on to my dreams tighter, thank you!

Happy 2011!!

Claudia said...

Beautifully written.

Happy New Year to you!

xo
Claudia

Jillayne said...

A great word, from a great thought. I don't think we are still enough and it's hard in all that busyness and noise to think, never mind to do. I love beginnings and there can be nothing better than a word that prompts you so simply and directly to do just that.
All the best for you in your journey through a new year.

Brenda Pruitt said...

Amen to the comment about you being so eternally eloquent. Something to be said for that as well! Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Begin... I like it!
Brenda

Tanya said...

Begin - BRILLIANT!

I have to admit, though your words were beautiful, I found myself zoning out with the GREAT choice of music on here today, too, and had to go back and reread!

And, I made my daughter a bracelet this Christmas, with part of a quote from Heart of Darkness - "Du Calme"...Happy New Year, Z!

Unknown said...

Precisely Suzan...don't worry about the 'how', keep your eye on the objective, and take action (very important).

Carole said...

With the new year I always feel the same way....just begin....but it sounds better then the reality. I'm often so overwhelmed I just stand there staring at it all:)
getting there slowly one day at a time.

Always have felt the love when visting! and appreciate our friendship more then I can tell you!

xx
Carole

Susanne said...

Excellent advice, especially to get out of my own way!
All the best in this new year,
Susanne.

Razmataz said...

Wow, you have given me lots to think about. I think you are a wise woman Z.

I think your path will reveal itself as you begin.

Being still is a great endeavor. We have a hard time as a socirty in being still, literally and figuratively. If we all could just be still once in a while we would all be better off.

I am so looking forward to seeing what 2011 holds for you Suzan.

Romeo said...

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. - Lao Tzu

Here's wishing for you the courage to begin with that first step. There are a lot of us out here who believe in you and KNOW you can do it. No matter what you choose. YOU CAN DO IT Z!

Hugs!

"Her" and Romeo

Charlene said...

Soooooooooooooo well said my friend. I'm so glad I found you in 2010 & look forward to see where we both go in this journey & in 2011. Begin! Perfect. I am still struggling with the word for me. Usually it comes to me easily. At this time... nothing is coming easily. So I think I will use your last year word... BE STILL until it speaks to me. HUGS!
Charlene