This is one of the rare years when goodbye is rather enthusiastic. It's not that it was a terrible, terrible year (though parts of it were), but that there was not a lot of positive to set it apart. The days rather plodded from one to the next.
I am not alone in feeling this. I'm not sure why it seems such a global feeling. The economy seems to be doing a bit better. Gas prices have dropped. Yes, there is conflict out there, but there is ALWAYS conflict out there.
Locally, we seem to have shootings and stabbings on a near-daily basis. It reminds me of when I first moved to Oklahoma and was so shocked that there was murder done every day and reported on the news. I really felt I had moved to the wild, wild West - but really, all I had done was move to a place that was a little ahead of my own home town in that regard. People are more connected with each other but more disconnected with the present. This is never more evident than when driving around town. I am beginning to think I'd like to give up driving and rely on my bike, my feet and the city bus. Driving is no longer pleasurable to me because there are too many people who drive right through the red lights or into my lane. I feel like I'm going into battle every time I get behind the wheel of a car and just trying to stay alive until I reach my destination. I don't even live in Atlanta or New York or London where the drivers are even crazier.
Celebration seems beyond me - at least the kind with cheering and waving of arms and loud, crazy laughter. My celebrations this year have been quite tame, devoid of glitter and cheer but full of thought and reflection. Is this a function of getting older? Or is it because of the things that have happened to me and to my loved ones this year; that the crazy enthusiasm has been replaced by a tamer sort of gratefulness?
So tonight I will bid farewell to 2014. I won't make it to midnight or hoist a glass of champagne as confetti rains down and fireworks go off. I'll be asleep in my bed, dreaming of a better tomorrow and making plans to see that it is, indeed, better.
4 comments:
It's been a long time since I've been here. You still write beautifully.
You're right, it's been a tough year globally. In my own circle of friends, I don't know anyone who's had 'the best year ever!'
Here's to moving on to the new year, and the new experiences it brings us. And perhaps, here's to me coming back here more often. xo
True, 2014 proved to be problematic as years go. Here's hoping 2015 will be kinder with more happy times.
I too hope to be asleep well before midnight.
Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year!
ditto
Sorry, I couldn't find an email address for you. You commented on my Field and Fen blog that you were looking for the art I make, etc. but you need to be on my other blog for that: http://beautifulmetaphor.blogspot.com
Just sayin!
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