By Shannon DiGregorio, Relationship Manager at The Community Roundtable.
Do you have any New Years Eve/Day traditions? My family always buys a lot of (legal in NH!) fireworks and sets them off at midnight. There is no deep or meaningful message behind this – my brother just happens to be awesome at wiring them, and has devised a pretty cool remote detonation system so everyone is safe and warm. It’s one of my favorite moments of the year – my family, and often friends, gather together with champagne to watch. It is so wonderful to look around at their faces, oohing and ahhing in unison, bathed in the colorful lights.
Historically I’ve focused on positive resolutions – my dad taught me that resolutions shouldn’t be things you don’t really want to do – go to the gym more, eat more spinach, etc, but things that you look forward to that make your life richer. In past years I’ve resolved to learn to drink scotch and to master a headstand in yoga (not the same year!) This year I’m going to start a new tradition. Our co-founder Rachel chooses a word (or two or three) that define her hopes for the new year. I love this idea and am going to try it.
I’ve chosen “be mindful” as my 2014 theme. If you’ve met me in real life you know that I talk very quickly. I often think (too) quickly and act (too) quickly. I’d like 2014 to be a year of focused, mindful decisions. Kinder, more thoughtful words. Deliberate actions. Slowing down to focus on what is right in front of me – be that a loved one or a task at work. I’ll check in in a few months and let you know how I’m doing.
In the meantime I would love to hear about your new years traditions. Are you choosing a guiding word or words for the coming year? Please share so we can help each other along. However you’re celebrating the changing of the year please have a safe and happy holiday. I know 2014 will be amazing and I can’t wait to see you there!
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