It’s that time again. Epiphany or Twelfth Night has passed. The lovely long days of January and February are upon us, and the time is ripe to accomplish much thoughtful and focused work.
Theoretically.
We have quite the road ahead this year. Of course we’ve no one to blame for that but ourselves, we’ve chosen to set goals, some rather lofty, some long mulled over and hoped for; and finally we’ve decided this is the year we must either get moving or simply lock ourselves away, cover the mirrors in black crepe, and mourn the loss of our ideals.
That will never happen. I tend to become quite fierce when I feel the wolf at the door. And though I haven’t sensed his presence growing in strength of late, still I know he is always there: watching and awaiting his chance to spring.
So naturally we must spring first. {A surprise attack has always been a most advantageous weapon.}
And so soon it’s January 8th! An entire week past and what have I done? I feel I’ve rather let myself down a bit; though to be honest (and kind to myself, something I have such a hard time with!), the holidays have just ended. Schoolwork has begun in earnest once more, and though the cozy times of sipping cocoa round the fire while enjoying our latest aloud read will still take place, they won’t happen as often, or last as long.
We return to the business of Ordinary Time. I must haul my overindulged self back onto the treadmill. I must eat more vegetables and drink more water and stop considering a handful of peppermint kisses along with a cuppa tea as breakfast.
{Yes I really did that. But you won’t tell anyone will you?}
Every day I hope, plan, to check off another step toward each goal. And what, Dear Reader, is the best method for accomplishing this?
A list in my daytimer or household notebook? A document in word upon my laptop? A diary or journal, or perhaps even actual daily check off sheet with each item listed and accounted for as I’ve written up for my children to follow for so many years.
I’m still considering. (Do you have an idea? Sharing and suggestions are more than welcome!)
For today I have a list, not a neat, straight edged list like all those organized people make – but my usual meandering columns of too large writing, with lines and arrows linking this to that, and the types of stars I’ve drawn since a child noting those most important. {Usually Exercise! Schoolwork! Writing!}
To be honest I have too many systems going. I have too much “going” period. All the usual family concerns which arise with five children and two parents, especially when one of those children is a wild and crazy, opinionated and stubborn young lady who happens to have Down Syndrome. Not to mention the overlarge house, the amazing amounts of laundry, the dogs and chickens and lone guinea hen. Kid’s activities, new responsibilities and projects Scott and I are eager to undertake, homeschooling, finally finishing up various writing projects (carving out the time is so hard!), and too soon it will be spring once more. And the outside projects (an actual lawn which takes more than five minutes to mow?) as well as that longing to escape to the wilderness to hike and build huge campfires and…
But stop!
Today it is January, and too soon February. The lovely, white, illuminating months which allow for quiet and thinking; for reading and working and readying ourselves for the hurry and bright building of the year ahead.
Savor the Now. Make it last. Scan down that erratic and too full list and check ‘em off, one at a time.
January shines all about us, and there is never a better time to begin than Now.
