Sparkling possibilities

As the crescendo of sparkling lights exploded and lit the black sky, in the warm crest of the night in Salvador, Bahia...and then dissolved into the breaking waves below...the struggles of 2010 melted away in the euphoria of marking the end of one period of time and the beginning of a new one. The sudden bursts of lights and its climax caused me to reflect on the challenges that reared up suddenly and consumed so many in the previous year. It seemed as soon as one fire was extinguished another flared up. In our day-to-day lives we carry on from one project to the next, filling time, space and emotions with efforts that carry us on in an unending stream of solutions, implementations and results. Yet, just as one ends another begins and the sense of finality eludes us in these ever evolving pursuits.

However, the New Year's Eve celebration allows for the one moment in time, each year, where even previously started works take on an new air of opportunity. A freshness of purpose and perspective fills even these lingering projects with a burgeoning sense of new possibilities. The diet and exercise plan that had fallen on less-disciplined times is taken up with a new commitment, the career that seemed to sputter is re-engaged, romances that may have slipped into resignation can be ignited and our systems and processes can take on new reforms. Man, woman, businesses and governments alike, mark the change in time in a way that daily leaves of times are not afforded. The accepted end of one phase for the potential of a next phase fills us at this time of year, providing hope that may have gotten lost along the way.

The New Year's celebration is less about fulfilling the dreams of others, as the preceding Christmas holiday seems to be and more about the fulfillment of one's own dreams. We are reawakened around what can BE for us...with each jolt of cascading light that fill our consciousness, we are reminded to reach for the spiraling and lofty ambitions dreams are made of.

Taking on this moment, I look forward to the fulfillment of the person I was sent to this earth to be...a completely gratified, satisfied and grateful spirit.