Glance Behind. Move Forward
Happy New Year!
I’ve been on the fence for the last few days about the theme for my first post of 2015; did I want to do a full year recap, hitting on the highs and lows or did I want to talk about the New Year and my hopes and dreams. Decisions, decisions.
While out for a run the other day, I noticed when the song The Dog Days by Florence and the Machine was playing in my earbuds. There is a lot of speculation around the meaning of this song, my guess is that there is some truth of domestic violence within its folds, but it was the following lyrics that really hit me in the heart:
Run fast for your mother, run fast for your father
Run for your children, for your sisters and brothers
Leave all your love and your longing behind
You can’t carry it with you if you want to survive
Even though I’d played this song hundreds of times, I suddenly heard it in a different way; it really felt to me like an appropriate call to action for the New Year.
“Leave all your love and your longing behind…” As I thought about this line more, I couldn’t help but start to list things from my past, and not just from 2014, that I may still be dragging along with me. Deep hurt, disappointments, victim stories, resentments and the like. I carry these things in an invisible sack that I hoist over my shoulder and bring with me from place to place, conversation to conversation, everywhere I go; these are the stories that affect and instruct, at some level how I act, react and respond. Given the challenging circumstances of the past several years, I wondered how much of this old stuff I was still dragging along with me and what elements I should really be carrying into the New Year “You can’t carry it with you if you want to survive”
So I sat down and looked back over the last several years. I began to list the places, within me, where I’m still healing. I actively looked at and chose to make peace with many of those tender parts of my soul. So the big question for me is, what do I still need to look at and what else can be left on the doorstep of 2015?
On New Year’s Day 2013, I wrote a post called “You Can’t Heal what you Don’t See” (You can read it here) In this post, I explore a bit about the thought behind using ignorance of our pain points (aka “get out of jail free” card) as an excuse not to look in the mirror and assess what stories and behaviors are likely holding us back. That is the real message here. You cannot “Run fast” for yourself or anyone else nor can you create real shifts in your life, shifts that will lead towards your dreams, if you are still carrying junk with you.
I believe that this is the crossroad of physical and mental wellness. As we drag along our bag of junk, we wear ourselves down, physically, emotionally and spiritually. Overtime, because we are carrying so much heavy stuff, we may not be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. (and PS – there is always a light, we just don’t always see it) To keep ourselves healthy, we need to evaluate and re-evaluate what is contained within our bag. (Note: I’m not referring to mental illness here)
So what does this all really mean? For me personally, this means that I’ve got some exploration to do, some self-excavation, and some deep soul-searching because I want 2015 to be a year like no other! I am ready to soar and don’t want to attempt lift-off carrying more than I need to “if I want to survive”. I hope for you, this sparks some thoughts and ideas, some evaluation or exploration as well. This isn’t about ripping off the Band-aide, this is about being gentle and forgiving, not harsh and judgmental because those negative feelings will only increased the load for you to carry.
And don’t forget to celebrate; you’ve made it through another year! That’s big stuff, seriously! There have been many times in the past several years, where I wasn’t sure I would actually make it to the end of the year. I’ve heard from many of you how 2014 was that kind of year for you and just crossing the threshold into the New Year was a significant accomplishment. Congratulations!
This year is going to be THE year to start putting our visions into action, make the changes we’ve been wanting and live our best year yet! The more we leave behind, the lighter we will travel towards our destination!
Thank you for sharing this – I always appreciate insightful, thought-provoking posts like this one! Plus, you have voiced my same desire and plan for 2015 to “put visions into action.” My first post of the new year was about focusing on these plans of actions, rather than “resolutions” which have become somewhat of an annual joke rather than a serious attempt to change what needs to change, for the better!
If you love something let it go, if it comes back to you its yours, if it doesn’t it never was. That was a saying I heard in high school so many years ago. I can’t remember where I say it, but it has always stayed with me.
This post reminded me of that saying.
This is very thought provoking for me. Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful insights. I’m about to write my own kick off post for the year and this brought my thoughts into clarity a bit more. Here’s to a thriving 2015!
I feel like thats really been the mentality for many people this coming year. Put what you want into action. I’ve really pushed ahead full forced on that. Taking real action to get myself together, move forward and do something for my future, rather than holding on to the past and going with whats comfortable. What a great way to really put that out there! Great post!
I could not agree more. There is a definite feeling that this year, more than any other, is going to be about achieving dreams and goals. You are so right, that in order to do this we have to free ourselves of the things that hold us back. A thing that is always easier said than done. However, with a good dose of self belief and support from others I think anything is possible. Good luck for the year ahead – it will be interesting to see where we both are by the end of the year. 🙂
Caroline! Thanks for your comments! Good luck to you this year as well! I’d LOVE to hear from you as your year progresses!! I have a feeling we are both going to be truly enjoying the fruits of our labors come year end! And JOY JOY JOY will be our song! 🙂
Sometimes leaving all our baggage behind is difficult. If we’ve been carrying it for any length of time, it becomes comfortable and safe, though obviously not necessarily good for us. I am hoping for a 2015 like no other, and I hope that you find what you need for yourself too.
Donna, I think that most times leaving our baggage behind is difficult. Many of us wait until the Universe makes it unbearable before we are ready to let it go. I am personally practicing trying to let more go when I first realize the need instead of waiting for it to happen under some more difficult circumstance! Wishing you the best year yet! Thanks for your comments!
New to meeting you, your blog, your past, your journey, I can feel the work done and desire to do to find peace within yourself.From my own experience of 75 years young, I know we let go of the past, we let go of the past and we let go of the past. It never totally is gone but what does happen is we recognize when it is the past running us today & we let go of the past. It only works if we are present to ourselves. You are and 2015 will be another year of letting go of the past and creating now.
Yes, Roslyn, Yes Yes Yes! It sure is much like peeling the onion, on layer at a time. Thanks for your comments!!
Thanks for your insights. As an Energy Healer I believe to keep moving forward we need to discard whatever no longer serves us. End of the year is a perfect time to reflect on the past and what impact or relevance it may be having on now. I agree assessing our emotions around this contributes to our overall wellbeing connecting our beliefs to our actions.
Lorelle, thanks for commenting! I am also involved in energy healing and you have totally hit the nail on the head! The ritual of review and assessment is such a positive opportunity for each of us to refine our vision for how we want to live our lives!
I really enjoy reading other peoples reflective posts from the year that was. The best part is it sounds like 2015 is going to be a good year for most as there are lots of big plans and motivation in place.
Thanks for you comments! It IS going to be a good year for most! The real determining factor will be willingness to say “YES” to opportunities and adventures as they present themselves. For those who grab the brass ring, this year will be the absolute best yet!
Good for you! A few years ago I went through what you are now: healing, assessment, letting go. I had been through a seriously traumatic and violent relationship. I knew I was going to be alright when I went back to school and was asked to label myself (class project) in one word and I chose ‘Survivor.’ It was earth-moving… no longer a victim. I will always be healing but I have come to be content and have a peaceful life (alone). Nice positive writing!
2015 is going to be AMAZING!! No resolutions, just the manifestation of what we work hard for! #excited
Yes. Lighter is the goal. I’m not there yet, but it’s a work in progress.
Very insightful post! I agree, 2015 is going to be an amazing year, full of action, and full of changes I think. I’m looking forward to carrying on from where 2014 left off.