Pick Your Mantra for 2009
I quit making useless resolutions a long time ago, but about 5 years ago someone suggested that you could give the new year a theme that would kind of over-arch the choices you make, the projects you tackle and the new experiences you decide to try. I liked that idea and have chosen themes like “Independence”, “Connections” and “Just Do It Now” in the past.
On a recent train trip I had lots of time to ponder the coming year and decided on my new theme - only this time it’s more like a mantra. A mantra is a word or sound repeated to aid concentration during meditation among practitioners of Buddhism. The more modern definition is a statement or slogan repeated frequently.
During almost all of my adult life I have owned LBCs - Little British Cars - like an MG or a Triumph as a hobby. I’ve had 7 all together in different colors, sizes and condition but they were all a blast to drive especially with a group from the car club. They make this unique putt-putt sound that no other car can imitate.
I know the picture of me that you all see appears to be a pretty straight, conservative mature woman, but put me behind the wheel of a little sports car and I become someone else! A someone else that is let free to feel the wind in my hair and swoop around curves and up and down hills exuberantly. I love that!
As I remembered this on the train trip I decided that my mantra for 2009 will be “Vroom- Vroom.” I will try to make choices and do things that will allow me to feel like I’m behind that wheel again. I will plan a few trips to new places, go looking for some new friends who share my enthusiasm for life and learning, try a couple of new things that scare me a little like a hot air balloon ride, and do the two things that thrill me - sailing and LBCs - as often as I can.
What’s your mantra going to be? Take a minute right now and think about a big theme that you could adopt that would challenge you to try some new things; to reach new heights; to stretch yourself just a little. Post your theme on sticky notes around you at home and at work. Or write it on small tags and tuck them into drawers, books and pockets to remind you what you are aiming for this year.
If you’d like to share your mantra or theme, please comment here. We could create a great list and inspire each other.
Ryma on 09 Jan 2009 at 1:10 pm #
I’ve loved the idea of themes ever since I heard of it 3 years ago. This year is my year of
“thrift and simplicity”. I plan to simplify every aspect of my life. Not only will it save me
money (simple gifts, simple pleasures, simple entertainment) but it should also help me
lose those extra 25 pounds I’ve been carrying around for too long (simple meals,
simple lifestyle [having friends over for tea instead of eating out in fancy cafes that
serve fattening pastries], simple transportation [walking], and so on. For a change, the
focus will be on the simple and thrifty life, instead of the “diet”, so I hope the changes
will be a by-product. I’ll welcome any ideas.