New Year's Eve once more, and I find myself not at all reflective or seeking closure of the year just past. Unusual for me, but at the moment, it seems like such an arbitrary thing, to say this is the last day of the year and so you must reflect, sum up, list accomplishments, and set goals for the coming year.
It seems so very contrived...life is a dynamic process, and it doesn't always fit into those nice, neat little boxes that you can stack in alphabetized (or colour-coded, for the more visual among us) rows.
So this year I'm going to do something I never do...I'm going to poo-poo the Yearly Reckoning. No lists of accomplishments (I swear that's a lingering side effect of spending twelve years in academia with that whole publish-or-perish imperative), no goal setting, no angst about how little I've actually done. Instead, there will merely be a nod to the new calendar, and a desperate attempt to remember to write "2009" on my checks...
Writing Prompt: Do you have an end of the year ritual? What is it? Why is it important to you? If you don't have one, why not?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
10 comments:
I never reflect on the year past or make goals for the coming year because there's generally nothing to reflect upon. Every day is the same as the one before, and tomorrow will be the same as today.
Generally I, too, spend my time attempting to remember the new date to write on things (Checks? Who uses checks anymore? I have to try to remember how to write one when I find myself actually confronted with the task).
If I should set a goal for myself and fail, then I feel like a loser. If I should reflect on what I have done with my life so far (nothing) I also feel like a loser, so it's best not to think of things like that.
My only goal from year to year is to keep myself alive for yet another year (this is not to be facetious, as everybody without exception on mom's side of the family has died of cancer at an early age, making me paranoid of every little ache, pain, and lump).
Our big "celebration" every year is to spend it at home, maybe playing a multi-player game on the PS2 or computer, and drinking bubbly juice in lieu of champagne. Then, we all say "Happy New Year" at midnight, drink some more juice, and go to bed. New Year's Day for us is no different than a weekend day, in that we use it to catch up on chores around the house.
Yes, I'm probably the last hold-out in the country, still writing checks for my bills...I'm sure the utility companies hate me, but I'm loathe to let them have access to my bank account. It's a control thing...and my own personal protest about the rampant and irresponsible use of technology.
Mmmm...if it wasn't for auto bill pay none of our bills would be paid on time as Darling Husband just isn't that responsible. I do not want to take that on because then I'd be doing absolutely everything around here, and all he'd have to do is go to work.
As for every other place, that's why they invented the check card.
The last check I wrote was for our new truck (we paid cash in full so as not to finance in this uncertain economy), and I discovered that to do that you really need one of those giant Publisher's Clearing House checks because the standard bank check isn't big enough for writing that huge amount.
Actually, the check card may be part of the problem with remembering to write "2009" on the checks...I write so few of them anymore...just the bills and then of course the endless stream of checks to school for the various field trips, supplies, and other miscellaneous educational expenses which are, apparently, not covered by our property taxes...
Hear hear! My sentiments exactly. I've never bought into that year-end business. Possibly a combination of avoiding introspection, and despising mindless conformity. :)
I love the end of the year reflection because it gives that fresh start I long for, but I don't think it has to be at the end of the year. It's about a mind set, not a date, so I think you're right to skip it if you're not in the mood for reflecting or making lists Jazz!
Just surviving will never eve be enough to keep me alive, I need so much more, like plans, creativity, color, writing, etc. :-)
I did absolutely nothing ritualistic. In fact, it was so contrarian it wasn't even funny.
I feel asleep shortly after midnight. Go figure.
Marissa,
I didn't even make it til midnight, though my kids did. How pathetic is that?
Not at all!
(Don't be callin' me pathetic!) ;) Besides, them youngins have all sorts of energy.
Jazz,
I too have decided to avoid the New Year's rituals. In fact I have done so for some time now and it is better for me to see it as just another day. It is just good to check in with you and know you are ok. Peace, Annie
Post a Comment