The Epiphany also known by some as “Little Christmas,” represents many things to different people. For my family, it is the actual end of the holiday season. After the 6th of January, we start to take the decorations down and put them away for another year.
However, for me, it also marks the approach of spring. Yes, I can hear you saying to yourselves, it just officially became winter, and the first day of spring isn’t until March. That being said, however, I always feel after the Christmas season, we are on the upswing of the year. I anticipate the lengthening of days, and frankly convince myself, on my homebound commute, that there is a slight lengthening of the day. Each ride seems to add a minute or two of light, which of course scientifically it does, but still it is heartening to see.
It is also this time of the year that I feel more invigorated, patient and willing to embrace new experiences. It seems appropriate that not only does the “Epiphany” mark the visitation of the three Wise Men with the baby Jesus, but it is also defined as “an experience of sudden realization.”
With this realization, comes the time, where resolutions are made while others take an accounting of their lives. Based on what they find or the resolutions they make, people are actually crafting the next steps of their journey. For me, it is important to cut the flotsam & jetsam; I have accumulated over the last year from my life. To cease pursuing relationships/friendships that are going nowhere, to renew the bonds with people I care about, but because of our frantic lifestyles, our encounters have been few and far apart. It is also decision-making time. Am I happy where I am? Do I need to take on another challenge? Do I try to do something that shakes me out of my comfort zone?
Whether conscious of it or not, we are all doing our accountings, cutting ties, making decisions, shaping the next steps of our journey. “Now is the time to take the first step. The longest journey, or project, starts with the first step. When it’s too hard to picture the whole journey, break it down into smaller ones. Keep reducing until the first step seems attainable. Then take it. The others will follow.”
Happy New Year and Adventures to you all!
