New Years Eve ... Worry versus Wonder

In the landscape of time,

there are few locations less comfortable

than that of one who waits

for some person or event to arrive

at some unknown moment in the future.

Robert Grudin

New Years Eve and we find ourselves assessing what we achieved and what we allowed to fall by the way side.  We count our blessings, but being humans we linger over our losses a little longer than necessary.

Many of us have counted the days throughout the year, waiting for that special person to arrive and change our life forever.  Be it a doctor to cure us, an employer to hire us, or a soul mate to love us, we may be facing the end of the year alone.

With all of the fear being propagated about 2012, I recently searched material reflecting attitudes back in 1699 and 1899 finding the same fearful statements of what 1700 or 1900 might bring ... destruction, diseases, and unknown catastrophes.  To me, it seemed as though there were no differences between then and now except for the dates.  The great "not knowing" or uncertainties drenched in the depths of fear.

In one of my readings, I found a suggestion to replace the word worry with the word wonder. This simplistic suggestion has altered my thinking process.  It is a wonderful reframe!

Test it right now ... say the word worry and notice the heaviness and fear of it.  Now say the word wonder and feel the lightness and curiosity. 

Who is it that says, "Be the change you want to see."  If you want peace, be peaceful to your self and others.  If you want to extinguish hunger, feed your self and your neighbors.  If you desire respect, respect your self and others.  Well, you get the idea.

The year 2011 has been filled with death and rebirth of thoughts, expectations, and situations I no longer needed. The year has been painful, but equally rewarding.  As 2012 begins, I have the sense that it will be a time for things to fall into place or come together for me.  

As this year comes to a close, we can let go of what no longer serves us and make room for new positive experiences awaiting us. Replace the gripping fingers of fear with the face of magical wonderment. 

"I shall fear no evil."