The Train of Life

In beginning this new year with my Anam Cara program, we had the opportunity to reflect on the words of a former Anam Cara with Auld Lang Syne playing in the background. I decided to recreate and adapt the reflection as it moved me deeply. The song reminded me to cherish the fond memories created throughout the years, while the words grounded me in what truly matters in the end and how few things matter.

Grief, loss, and sorrow were the uninvited guests that welcomed me this time last year. The losses tumbled into my life week after week. From the death of my friends' parents, my husband's colleague, and a dear friend, the accumulation of losses and sorrows weighed heavily on my heart. The cost of loving dropped me close to the earth, and they all became my teachers.

Grief taught me that impermanence is an essential truth woven into the fabric of existence. Everything is constantly changing. Nothing is permanent. This idea can both frighten and inspire us. Yet, embracing the truth that all things inevitably must end encourages us not to wait in order to begin living each moment in a deeply engaged manner. 

In doing so, we open ourselves to the possibility of growing in wisdom and learning to love better, appreciating the fact we are alive, encouraging self-exploration, clarifying our values, discovering meaning, and generating positive action one step at a time. We become more compassionate and learn not to hold our opinions, desires, and identities so tightly. We redirect our focus to the present and are grateful for what we have in front of us. We say "I love you" more often because we realize the importance of human connection. We become kinder, more gracious, and more forgiving. 

I wish you a joyful and meaningful year on this train of life. Thank you for being one of the passengers on my train.