The Beginning of Year 36

It is strange to think that, if statistics are true, I have not yet lived even half my life.  Canadian women live on average to be 82.9 years old.  My Nanny turned 89 this year, so the family genes are in my favour as well.  Yesterday was my 35th birthday.  Is my life where I thought it would be?  Who knows...the only 'plan' I ever had in terms of years was that I was going to be married and have a child by the age of 26.  Oops, only 3 years and 5 years off respectively.  Not bad.

Birthdays in my family have always been cause for celebration, as have Christmases, Thanksgivings, and every other holiday that gives us an excuse to get together.  I also happen to feel that everybody needs a day of recognition.  It is not about the presents, cake or cards (though most of us do love those too), but rather that we take a moment's pause to think about what it is about a person that makes him or her special to us.  As the old adage goes, "It's the thought that counts."  Well, the thought that is shared, that is.

The reality is that most of us do not share 'warm fuzzies' (yes, I teach elementary school) on a regular basis.  We expect others to know what we mean to them.  Fair enough, actions are important.  But can something be truly known unless it is somehow put into words and shared with others?  I suppose if we had a strong history of passing down knowledge and information to others, words would not be of so much importance.  However, as much as technology does to improve communication and knowledge sharing worldwide, it also distances us from each other.  How often do I 'catch up' with my friends and family through email, or more recently, Facebook?  It is convenient, yes, but our technology-assisted conversations are so much briefer  and less rich.  I know more about people's 'statistics', but less about who they are and what they believe.

I have recently read a chapter written by Margaret Wheatley called Turning to One Another:  simple conversations to restore hope to the future.  Wheatley starts off her chapter simple processes with the following assertion: “Many of us would like to simplify our lives, and life in general.  Yet I notice how difficult it is to accept and believe in simple solutions and processes.  Everything has become quite complicated.” (p. 20).  To begin my 36th year, I would like to have more of these simple conversations.  To become reacquainted with the people in my life, in person.  To spend less time with 'busy work' and more time in the same space with my friends and family.  Taking walks.  Playing games.  Eating together.  Having tea.  To begin my 36th year, I would love to get together with you.  Are you free?