Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Coming to an End

2008 is just about over. And I’m happy. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t necessarily think that from Wednesday to Thursday there will be some immensely profound change in the universe and life as I know it will change forever, I just feel ready to put this year behind me. I am looking forward to saying and writing 2009. For so many years I had this intense focus on the year 2008. It seemed as if this year was the end point for everything I was focused on and it left me a little dazed and confused for a little while. (Read some older posts if you need to know what I’m referring to). I had this year mapped out in my mind for so long and it was everything but what I had imagined. It was a lot of disappointment, confusion, and a lot of heartbreak. Not to say that this year didn’t bring me some positive moments and some good memories, because I’m sure that it did. It most certainly has been a year that allowed me to learn a lot about myself and find out what I’m truly made of and I can’t say that I’m disappointed with the results because as with all things we are dealt in life, they happen for a reason.

I have yet to make any sort of real resolutions for the New Year, except to enjoy it and continue to work on myself. I’ve spent a lot of my life having very specific goals and sacrificing a lot to achieve them. In many ways it’s the only way I know how to live, but at my ripe old age of 28 (soon to be 29), I’m more open to going with the flow. I have my goals and aspirations but there is no ‘bulls eye’ year in my future right now.

The one resolution I am going to work hard at is something I stole from the pastor at Church this past Sunday. It has nothing to do with the New Year per say, but just an ongoing attempt at being a better person and treating people better. Anyway, the pastor’s advice was before you interact with anyone – the barista at Starbucks, your siblings, the person that cut you off on the freeway – say that you love them and then proceed. You don’t actually utter the words out loud, because of course that would be creepy and weird, but just in your head as a reminder that we truly are supposed to love our neighbor as ourselves. And when I thought about this, I realized what a difference it would probably make in how I treated people. It’s a simple thing really and just kind of reminds you that how you treat others is truly a reflection of what’s on the inside.

So here is to a healthy and happy new year. I don’t plan on bringing in the New Year with a bang; I just want to wake up on Thursday morning with a smile on my face and a positive outlook for the 365 days ahead.

14 comments:

Eternal Lizdom said...

I'm very intrigued by your pastor's suggestion... I'm going to try it and see what happens!

Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

Brianna,

I've been thinking of my new goals. Like you, they aren't about a new year but more ways to lead a fulfilling life for myself. I will do the silent "I love you." It would give me one more moment to say, "Treat this person the way I want to be treated."

Have a great 2009.

Anonymous said...

Happy New year to you!! I just recently found your blog and I like it alot. You now have a new fan.

My New Years resolution is to runt he New York City Marathon next November. Any advice??

Anonymous said...

I really like your pastors advice, I will atempt to try it...but then I live in New York City and it's very hard to love some of the people in this city.

@ anonymous- join a run club. you will be motivated and it will help to have people around you training for the same things you want. I hope to run the 2009 Marathon and I do run with a few different clubs. If you havent done any long races try the half marathon the feeling of accomplishing it is euphoric...the support I get from strangers on the sideline gives me a reason to love New Yorkers.

Have a Happy New Year Briana & fans!
I wish you much success with this coming new year.
Hopefully you will ring in 2009 with all your loved ones close by.

April

Anonymous said...

Ms. Glenn,
Please, Please, PLEASE say you "Love" me! I've wanted a girl to say that to me for some time. If you even meant it, that'd be better still...
Oh ... uh ... that's not what you meant?

Brianna said...

yes, everybody should try that advice and then report back in about a month to see if it's been helpful!

anonymous, my advice about running the marathon is...DON'T DO IT!!! but i'm a sprinter, so you might ask someone else. :)

Unknown said...

Very empowering, Ms. Glenn.

White Flower said...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I love you dearly and hope you wear your fancy dress.

All my love,
Me

Anonymous said...

Ms. Glenn,
I can report back right now. I tried that advice at work today. We were all sittin' around drinkin' the last day of the year away at the office and I told 3 different girls "I love you". Got slapped once, told to go somewhere I hope I don't end up at, and the third time HR got called. Great. Now my career is in jeopardy.
Ok, what did I do wrong?

t.v. said...

Happy New Year to you too.

"Treat others as I would have them treat me."
I've been living by these words for years now and they have done wonders.

Anonymous said...

Why would you tell me not to run the marathon?

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year!!!

I hope that 2009 will be amazing year for you.

Take Care,
Oscar

Brianna said...

@ anonymous...sorry, i meant it as a joke. i just couldn't possibly tell you how to prepare for one as it is something i could never fathom doing. but best of luck to you!

LaLa said...

I've always loved waking up and having it be next year. Then I watch new year's eve recaps from all around the world on the news. :)