The Gift of a Second Look
It’s tempting to think of the year that’s wrapping up by how you are feeling at its end. But this isn’t 20/20 vision.
Because a year is long and infused with a wide range of moods, December is the ideal month to turn back the calendar for a second look.
Because year-end blues happen to me every year, I’ve been searching for a way to manage them. I found one that works and would like to offer it as a holiday gift.
Each December, I make two lists of 10 items: one personal and one professional. Both contain microscopic or magnified moments that either lifted my spirits or showed a contribution of some kind.
It felt challenging at first – like bragging or tempting fate – but my mother, a career counselor, called this practice the discipline of gratitude and I’ve come to appreciate it. By going back into your calendar or scrolling through your social media, you’ll rediscover moments that you forgot about. Good ones. Ones you won’t want to forget. I promise!
And if nothing else, a look back can bring light into the gray of the season.
I’ll share my professional list here (I’m still working on my personal one), so you can see what this might look like and, hopefully, feel the prompt to make one for yourself.
· I’ll begin by expressing my gratitude for you, dear reader - many of you subscribers of this blog for 10 years now.
· For the three weeks I spent at Ragdale for a writing residency earlier this year.
· For the incredibly productive hours every other week that I spent with my brilliant writing partner, Sheri Reda.
· For the essays and poems and flash pieces that were published in 2023 as a result of those hours.
· For the offers to teach innovative workshops at Ritualwell, Story Studio Chicago and Lighthouse Lit Fest.
· For the invitation to read submissions for the Another Chicago Magazine literary contest and judge a speaking competition at Lake Forest Country Day School.
For the encouragement to facilitate a year-long book club at my synagogue.
· For the requests to tell stories at Chicago Story Press, Story Sessions, Skokie Bike Network and Short Story Theatre.
· For the call to become a member of the Skokie Fine Arts Commission.
· For learning how to record videos for my YouTube channel.
May your lists be among the best gifts you give to yourself this year; one that puts your doing front and center.
Wishing a very happy and beautiful Festival of Lights and Christmas for those who celebrate.
And may the new year to bring us even the smallest bit of peace and hopefulness.
Photo by Bud Helisson/Unsplash
Coming Up in 2024
“Literary Letters: Essays in Epistle.” Story Studio Chicago. Single session. In person. 6:30- 8:30 pm, March 20, 2024
“The Jewish Spirit of Hope” Ritualwell. Wednesdays at 11 am (CT) online. March 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17, 2024.