Monday, December 31, 2012

Breathing in a new year beneath the sun and moon and stars


"Every breath is a second chance." I saw that on Pinterest and thought, I need to remember, I need to not let that knowledge be lost to petty spats, old resentments, horrific news of the day, anxiety and fear. Easier said than done, but resolutions aren't meant to be slam-dunks.

How to do it then? Perhaps thinking before speaking--taking that breath and considering first--even if someone pushes the buttons that make me angry or sad. Perhaps making someone else's day a little brighter  with a smile for a stranger, a thank-you, a helping hand, because, although I already do these things, there is always a short supply in our world. Perhaps not allowing despair to derail the things I dream of accomplishing.

So that's my goal for 2013 to listen to my breaths and make them count.

And now I give you some more pretty pictures from the holiday-lit canals in Venice Beach.
A lantern tree to light our way.

A magical bridge. How do we get from here to there?

Lovely lights in the darkness.

And, finally, my wish to us all for the New Year: May we find the golden pathways of the sun and walk into mystery and wonder, beauty and light.








12 comments:

storyqueen said...

Such lovely thoughts.

Yes, the breathing--the moments in between breaths, too. How fortunate we all are to still be able to reflect upon them.

Wishing you a glorious new year, filled with smiles and unexpected moments of wonder.

xoxo-

Shelley

Yvonne Osborne said...

I love all the pictures of magical lights, the lanterns especially, but the most beautiful of all is the last. Happy New Year, Tricia.

Liza said...

Oh lovely, Tricia! Thank you for sharing this little bit of inspiration.

Anne Gallagher said...

Happy Happy New Year, Tricia!

I'm putting Venice Beach at Christmas time on my bucket list. Thanks so much for sharing all those pics.

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Shelley, my wish for you is the same. I think we can do that!

Yvonne, aw, thank you! I love finding those moments as I walk, seeing beyond, in a way.

Liza, I love the many moments of beauty you share, too. Thank you!

Anne, yay! Be sure you find the canals. That's the magical spot.

Donna said...

Gorgeous pictures and insightful words for the new year. Thank you.

Lisa Gail Green said...

Beautiful New Year post! I support your message 100%

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Donna: And I thank you, my friend.

Lisa: Yay, I like that support!

Michael Di Gesu said...

BEAUTIFULLY said, Tricia!


And you are so right about not having enough politeness and smiles in our world.

Happy New Year to you, too!

May 2013 be a bright and shiny year for all!

The pics are lovely....

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Thank you so much, Michael! :)

Golden Eagle said...

That's a wonderful goal. Simple and profound.

Love the pictures! The lights look magical. :)

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Eagle: Profound, oh that's nice to hear. :) Thank you!