We spend a lot of time between rushing and waiting. We rush for the bus and wait. We rush for the job interview and wait for their response. We rush into life and then wait for it to happen. I woke up this morning realizing that this is my life - NOW. I also realized that we are counting down to this New Year. It feels like I’m rushing to get things done while simultaneously waiting for the new to begin. After talking with some of you, this seems to be a common theme. Is this limbo what we want for ourselves?

With that first sip of morning coffee often comes inspiration. My moment of clarity brought the idea that I want to do things that allow me to be more engaged and present in my life as well as have more fun. I want something that takes up the mental space that happens during waiting and makes the rushing more worthwhile. (You thought I was going to tell you how not to rush and wait! If you have figured that out, I will gladly give you this space in this ezine.)

Here’s the idea to give your heart and your head something to do in those spaces that will be fun and beneficial. Let’s call them Six Gifts for the Year (from you to you). Since there are only six, if you are a logical person, you have 2 months to create and accomplish each gift. If you tend to be more holistic in your approach, you will, most likely, be able to get things tied up by the end of the year. You need not do them in any particular order. The idea is that they are so much fun and they feed each part of you that there isn’t a priority. Every aspect of you will get attention, be honored and be satisfied.

Six Gifts for the Year (from you to you):

1. For your soul – Perhaps you have always wanted to visit the temples in Thailand or walk along the Ganges River. Perhaps it is something closer to home like building an alter in your garden or simply listening to chanting while you lie on the floor with your dog.
2. For your mind – What is your mind craving? Perhaps it is to have some time off to listen to the chants with your soul. Or, perhaps, it is craving greater stimulation and would love for you to play Sudoku or do the Times Crossword Puzzle. You could wander through your local library and just look and smell and remember.
3. For your emotions – Laugh out loud lately? This may be a plan of going to see comedic movie once a month, going on a retreat or taking a painting class. It could be that you have been putting off something that you have been secretly longing to do. What better time than now to stay up late and cry over an old movie in your jammies or take up kick boxing.
4. For your body – This does include your health so it could be that you take an extra walk a week and really look at the plants and smile at your neighbors (perhaps even stop and get to know one or two and invite them to walk with you). Your body might thank you with extra energy when you bless and release deep fried food from your diet. Maybe your bod wants to take a dance class or learn to swim. And then, there’s always the gift of another massage.
5. For your finances – There is a beautiful quote on my vision board that says, “When it comes to your money, no one will ever care for it, need it, or respect it more than you.” I have no idea who said it. It is one of the truest things I have ever read -- what are you going to do for your finances this coming year? Perhaps is simply saving a few dollars more or re-evaluating your insurance policy or taking your lunch once a week or changing how you spend on presents. It could mean that you actually spend more on yourself or give more to a charity. How are you going to enjoy and love your money this coming year?
6. For fun! – The obvious is a vacation though that may come under the heading of For your mind as it may be the rest your mind needs. It might be time to go to a concert or a drive to someplace you haven’t been before. You might be missing your friends and meeting up at the lake for a long weekend might be just the ticket.

These are just some ideas to get you started. It is rather like a bucket list for this year and this year alone. There could actually be something on your other bucket list that doesn’t have to wait. Why wait! We need fun today. And, you notice that I didn’t mention a thing about New Year’s resolutions. That’s because these are NOT resolutions. These are gifts to you from you with love. This is your life and you get to live it with less rushing, less waiting and more fun!

Love and blessings for a joyful and healing New Year!

See you in the Bahamas! (Just kidding – I’m home having fun!)