Hold Space And Be Kind

“If you’re working on something exciting that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed. The vision pulls you.” — Steve Jobs

It’s always satisfying to close one chapter of life and start another. Cheers to us for powering through another year! 

It’s fair to say that 2021 was another challenging year for me. It had its highs and lows. As I write this I am at a low, overwhelmed and writing with less clarity. But that was the problem all along — I kept striving to live up to unrealistic standards.

I am writing this newsletter to give myself some much-needed closure — to wrap up year one of Project 52 and also another calendar year. It’s been difficult, yes, but I won’t discount the positives. There is plenty to be grateful for if I really sit down and think about it. 

The thing about suffering and going through pain is that, when you feel at peace, it tastes better than heaven!

As I look back at the previous year, I am proud of myself for adding value to the lives of others even when the going got really tough for me. Even when it got to a tipping point internally, I persisted and did better than I ever thought I could. I often wonder how much value I could create when I’m fully in my element!

2021 is gone, 2022 is here. A new beginning. I know that things are not magically going to get better for me from today onwards. But I’ve definitely rekindled my inner fire to go at it again. 

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

— Jalaluddin Rumi

I’m going to approach my life this year with patience and kindness. I’m going to practice being a guesthouse — holding space for all kinds of thoughts and feelings. This is the muscle that I’m going to train. I will experience anxiety, frustration, and resentment. Things won’t always go the way I want them to. But through it all, I will still be a guesthouse — kind to those guests — to all those thoughts and feelings. 

Here’s to endings and new beginnings! Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, peaceful, and fruitful 2022!