Lesson Learned My year in review? You don’t want to know about my numerous missteps (though it’s not a bad idea to remind myself), but surprisingly for once, there are a few goodies I might wish to repeat. Not sure I can write full sentences about them though. Too many emotions! Over twelve short months, this girl has experienced an array of unparalleled relief, excitement, joy, and gratification. Even brand new love in delightful packages! Aging has its benefits, so you won’t hear me whining, not quite yet anyway. Which takes me to the flip side of the obligé New Year syndrome. I’m finally learning that ExpectationS (the word appears not to exist in the singular form) is a nasty word that only generates mental, emotional and, to be sure, physical hardship. I’m merrily finding that left to run its course without my silly, constant resistance, the world (i.e. my life) is often apt to produce more contentment than I could possibly imagine. Which only proves the limits of my shallow mind. But there’s hope. So for the New Year, no long list of binding, stressful and unrealistic resolutions. Instead, I shall keep it simple, with an open mind and, possibly, a kind heart. I might become good at this and, who knows, live a longer life.

Solstice! Ok, I’m a little late for Solstice. Although the Big Dark Moment has already come and gone, it is such a prevailing event this year that I don’t think it excessive to comment. As it turns out, I participated in two Solstice events this week, which is more than I ever attended in my entire life! (Notice I’m even capitalizing the word, as though it might be acquiring some official status.) So there must be something going on. Could the planet be attempting to return to its mythological roots? Here, I can’t but mention that many years ago, I developed a strange itch to gather a few people and do exactly this, a celebration of new light and hope. Alas, after being severely warned that my pagan ambitions might cost me some friendships, I abandoned my project. We seem to easily forget that since times immemorial, late December was used to celebrate the cycles of nature and that only much, much later did a Roman emperor opt to establish that very same time to commemorate the birth of Jesus. To ignore this historical detail would be as outrageous as it would to ignore the fact that American Indians were the first inhabitants of this continent, not our European conquerors. As I listened to inspired meditations and cultural traditions on the topic of Solstice, a common thread seemed to emerge that we humans constantly thirst for togetherness and hope. And what about warmth! As a mostly cold and shivery person (I did not say frigid) I can relate to that; I don’t need to be reminded of the Solstice. Just bring the hot cider, a crackling fireplace and genial company! But then, is there not more to my yearnings? This cycle of darkness has a well-documented ability to force our psyches into places we don’t really care to go. And like it or not, the Evil Spirit is not easily chased! Ask any therapist. So however ancient, I find the concept of hope still applies. Of course I’m grateful to live in a century where we know that, like clockwork, all seasons will be renewed. We know that even if we don’t observe rituals to summon the gods of sun and light by keeping a fire burning for hours on end, our northern skies will gradually turn brighter. No matter what, it will happen! But we humans are often weird, and our sense of logic easily lost. While I observe, listen and even pray, I can see why these cold, sombre days call for comforting reassurance. And in observance of all fantastical myths, I’m only happy to join the movement to congregate, drink and be merry. Admittedly in my case, the birth of an Infant quite conveniently adds to the propensity. Have a Merry Solstice and a Happy Christmas!