Tuesday, January 8, 2013

A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Beth Hagendorf Talent


In a new year people shout out, "Happy New Year!" as if it is an antidote of some kind, as if it will dispel a myth, or a condition. It is by far the shortest declaration of intent into the universe. Short, and ineffective because it is a breath cut short by the glimpse of the actual work it will take to make the year better or happy. 

I was just speaking with a pastor about the long and difficult journey I made from my early beliefs about white people, which were extreme, bitter and crude in its judgment and assessments of character and being to the place where my heart said they are my relatives. Two decades of spiritual work and unlearning at a level the average person I know would balk at the base of the mountain before them to climb. There is an implication in saying Happy Happy New Year! so often that serves little purpose. It places happiness at a premium. It says happiness should somehow come as a Santa Claus, and gift itself to you, not that being happy is undesirable happiness measured has to be in its proper place. Out of place it is like a drug high a crack addict is trying to recapture! 

Where does happiness come from? What produces happiness? Is it important? Where does it belong in the scheme of things and why is it part of a good life? 

Happy New Year! Make it a year to remember for what you accomplish, and what you make better, and how you assisted, and served others in their lives. - Gregory E. Woods, Keeper of Stories 1.7.13







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