A few wishes and questions as we cross the threshold

The Irish believe that the fae linger at thresholds. Fae being the designation of all creatures not quite human. I’m fond of thresholds myself, moving from one state to another. New Year’s has always been one of my favorite holidays not for the drunken revelry but for that exquisite moment when all possibilities stretch before me and I’m free to remake my life.

Of course, it is all an allusion. We are at every moment crossing the threshold between past and present, one moment passing into another seamlessly like a stream of water. At every moment all possibilities exist, every choice is available; you must simply be willing to shoulder the consequences of your intended choice.

I tend to not make “resolutions” but rather set intentions for the new year. There is something so satisfying about calling the slate clean and then venturing forth towards a life more congruent with my dreams.

But all of this begs the question: how do I get off track each year? How is it possible that each year, I cross midnight on December 31st with items still in the to-do list? Think of it more like fine-tuning. Each year life throws things in your path that push you off-course, or more likely you simply grow and refine your vision of what you want your life to add up to. New Year’s presents a chance to recalibrate, to find your True North once more.

So this morning, I begin to contemplate two questions that help me correct my course:

• What do I want more of this year?
• What do I want less of this year?

For though I do not control what winds will blow in my life, I surely do control my reactions and actions. And it is within my sphere as well to decide to what I open the door and what I want to leave behind as distracting or counter to my values.

My wish for myself and for all of us is that we listen a little closer and try to be a little kinder than necessary as we cross the threshold into another year.