It's 2010. Yes. It is. It's 2010, a new year, and we all know that we have lists nearly touching the ground of new year's resolutions and things we want to change about ourselves during the new decade. It makes me giggle seeing gyms packed with people after the New Year's Eve party hats and champaigne glasses have all been put away. It's also no surprise to see hundreds of facebook and twitter updates about change, renewal, and a new sense of self. In fact, I'm guilty. Check my previous facebook statuses. I'm very guilty.
The more I think of this, however, the more I realize how desperate we are for change--how in need of "something new" we constantly appear to be. There is something so innate in us, willing us to do anything in our power to "feel better" about OURSELVES. I'm not objecting to a little bit of self absorption every now and then--do not get me wrong. How else are we able to reflect? I'm simply bringing to the forefront this concept of "self and ego" that seems to drive everything else around it--albeit relationships, work, spiritual life, and community. Only if we feel adequate can we contribute to a greater purpose. Only if we feel, by earthly standards, beautiful can we feel worthy of love, and only with measurable intelligence can we conquer that boardroom meeting with confidence. What a perverse lie we've all been fed. What's even more twisted is how fully we immerse ourselves in this perspective. We frame our entire existence around ourselves and while I believe that much of this is rooted in our nature--I can't help but suggest it's partially environmental, media driven, and socially embedded.
What we sometimes fail to realize is that the answer to how we should love is not rooted in ourselves. The answer is in those around us. Perhaps, the greatest realization of this new year does not come from that formidable list of resolutions, but rather deep within the implications of where that list originated from. We are always wanting more--always wanting to look better, feel better, and be better. What if we wanted all of those things for not only ourselves, but for everyone around us? Would that inspire us all to be more proactive, more productive, and most importantly more loving? It isn't always about what we should be doing for ourselves but rather what we shouldn't do for ourselves--and what we should ultimately pour into others.
Thank you new year's resolutions--not for your long list of action items and self-inspired goals, but for the perspective and simple, yet beautiful awareness you have brought me. Here's to a selfless 2010--make me a better woman.
