Nomadic Endeavours
Sometimes it can be hard to come to terms with our lives as a one-oar boat in a vast, uncaring ocean. Manning a cargo that seems to stretch infinitely beyond our souls and navigates the furthest reaches of our inner self, change can be a daunting process, especially when we are not consciously in charge. By this I mean, we are no longer really the pioneer of dreams nor the innovative artist of absolute clarity that once blessed us. When the nomad ceases a fascination for the desert rose or some elusive reason for continuation, then it is time to reanalyse the pattern wave in the dunes and interpret what secret wisdom has been left dormant by the ancestors of time ago.
We tend to fall into this same trap year after year through a lack of foresight; there is this unusual tendency for us to procrastinate and leave things in the backburner of our minds, all the while expecting the solution to be life’s ‘default’. While the quote ‘go with the flow’ holds true for some situations, coasting along (and leaving all the present-purchasing until later!) has dire consequences to the ego, particularly contributing to a sense of control lost. Why not take back our direction?
Christmas shopping is always a last-minute nightmare as we brace ourselves to face monstrous crowds in checkout aisles, lined up in an abattoir of finances, consectutively melting the plastic in wallets. Despite this overtly materialistic view, there is a strong and underlying message to this time of year irrespective of creed, that reminds us of the necessity for directed action. Gift giving is certainly symbolic of our care for other people, but with the new year on the horizon, we need not hide away in sociality to escape the pressure of our personal unfulfilled passions.
Being anything like this family means frantic feasts spread over an immaculate three days, at least a tonne of alcohol and all manner of sweet, crunchy and firm cakes, biscuits and roasts. Voracious laughter and equally baneful begrudgery forces us to spend ridiculous amounts of time in the bathroom, searching for a sense of peace in the bathroom tiles. Understandably, with this luxury comes its own consequence of feeling left out from the rest of the world; nothing could be further from the truth as I can guarantee your closest friend is undergoing the same process. It’s time to remember that you are your own overseer and own audience, and misfortune (or boredom) is worthy of a hearty laugh.
Like the saying goes, having something positive to look back upon is the catalyst for future change as well.
It is remarkably easy to cloak our stifled ambitions being chained to final-year obligations and think of those homeless and suffering. This is ultimately altruistic and gratifying, but has little constructive value for yourself overcoming obstacles. Charity is best kept for true desire to help and not from a sense of obligation.
Before losing hope, just remember that this is that time of year you have been yearning for, believing it to be full of clarity away from the stresses of everyday life. And that’s not really wrong; for example this time is the most valuable for me in particular as I take into a wide vista my plans for the year to come.
I’ve found that the best way to handle the day-to-day events of a frantic year ending is to take it with a smile and a nod, a grain of salt, littered with evening walks, copious amounts of joy with family, silence with self and a small donation to your favourite charity. Follow your own pilgrimage along this nomadic endeavour and discover the secret to a merry Christmas and a fulfilling New Year.
If I am not found posting earlier, best wishes and hope for change to all.
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