In-between the woods.
Shhh, dear reader. Let’s whisper.
Let’s remember.
Let’s lower our voices.
Because this is the in-between time.
It’s in-between Christmas and New Years.
It’s in-between gift-giving and a brand new start.
It’s in-between the old and stagnant–and the unknown.
The Known
2019 jiggles in our imagination like a wobbly sprout.
2019 says, “Here is your opportunity to be, do, create something you’ve never before imagined!”
2018 laughs scornfully at the naiveté of 2019, sure of the power of a new year to dash us against rocks, to keep us in the same place, to keep us bewildered and confused in the face of newness.
Who should we believe?
The old face of 2018 or the brand-new spanking baby face of 2019?
The possible
A wise woman once said something similar to this: Look realistically at who and what you are right now, in this wild & precious December moment. But don’t quit dreaming, either. January will push you out of the birth canal. January will send your toboggan sliding down the snowy hill. January just might find that space where you’re birthing from the chrysalis of your cocoon and send you tumbling into undreamed newness.
We’re in the in-between world now, dear reader. In that place where fear and courage possibly meet and sing forward.
I am looking at all of us. May we embrace ourselves–just as we are–and may we take baby steps into new possibilities. And for those of us who run wildly forward and jump in the frozen lake–the rest of are watching your bravery with eyes wide open. We’re still cautiously courting 2019 asking for what seems to be the impossible, but our eyes carry prayers of hope whispering, “Please, please…” before remembering, and humbly invoking, “Thank you, thank you…”
Please share your gratitude, your unknowing, your hopes. We’re all watching each other bloom into the next unknown moment. With awe, dear reader, with awe that we’ve made it so far, that we keep standing steadily back on our feet after each new stumble.
Please
Lake Superior Spirit 
Happy New Year Kathy.
Why, Sybil, Happy New Year to YOU as well!
Happy new year, but while you’re getting happy in it (*smiles*) remember that the year doesn’t really start or end, as life is a continuum. Hugs.
A continuum, indeed, with its ebbs and floes appearing and disappearing and perhaps appearing again…as the continuum stretches on…
I’ve thought a lot about this lately. Do we stop dreaming at a certain age? Are we afraid to take risks now that we’re in our late 60’s; should we just let the boat float on calm waters, not taking chances? We are about to take a plunge into deep waters, and I’m excited for the challenge of working towards yet another dream (though worry lingers). Thanks for the nudge, Kathy.
Monica, I wish you luck as you plunge into those deep waters. I hope the waters nudge your soul into more aliveness and awakeness. Who knows if and when it’s time to stop dreaming? I think the waters will tell us if we listen really, really closely. Love to you!
I must admit (confess?) that I love the In Between time. I loved the summer between my high school and college years, where all the possibilities loomed ahead of me, but I had the hot sultry summertime to luxuriate in the memories of high school; I loved those nine months in between conception and birth, as I watched my belly grow and roll with the being inside, felt my insides tumble and squeeze as I devoured pounds of spinach and walked contentedly in the spring air full of promise. And yes, I love the week between Christmas and New Year, a time I look forward to. The end of the bustle and hustle, instead quiet and peace, wrapping myself in a blanket with a good book in front of the fireplace, needing to do nothing this week but luxuriate in the Doing Nothing. So yes, Kathy, let’s whisper this week, the in between time, and enjoy the peace. xoxo
I love your perspective. I guess I never thought of how much I do enjoy the hush between Christmas and the new year. Thank you!
❤
Oh I enjoyed your long paragraph about the in-between time! You made me think of how much I loved being pregnant and watched the belly stretch and grow. You reminded me of childhood summers and the joy of reading the Weekly Reader at my grandparents cottage in the hammock. It’s so interesting…I think I have a mixed relationship with in-between times. Sometimes they are soothing, but other times scary. Sometimes endlessly wonderful…and other times I’m a little restless. Thinking of commas right now, and the in-betweens that they suggest. And the spaces in between sentences and paragraphs and chapters! xoxoxo
Commas – a great metaphor for in-between time. Semi-colons too; I guess that’s why I love using them in my writing! 🙂
This is me –
Cautiously courting 2019 asking for what seems to be the impossible, but our eyes carry prayers of hope whispering, “Please, please…” before remembering, and humbly invoking, “Thank you, thank you…”
I see 2019 for my own self as taking each next logical step as I let go of my work for the last year – first to family and an editor for her evaluation as to what I might need to cut or elaborate on – and then, I do hope to acquire an agent and go into whatever is next in order to become published. This is my hopes and dreams for 2019 with a lot of patience and willingness to let go of my very personal story, whether to entertain or to yield up the insights that have been valuable for me, which I never expected to receive.
Wishing you much happiness and joy in the coming year, my friend.
Deb, I think this is VERY exciting! To think it’s time to turn your book-baby to an agent and to discover what’s needed next. I do enjoy your steady and practical movement toward your heart’s desire. Can’t wait to see what develops as 2019 births. Much happiness and insights for you in the upcoming year!
This is the in-between time that sparks the melancholia. But I am trying to live by these words you have written. Healthy and happy new year to you!
Stacy, feeling for you with that melancholia, and wishing that it moves you deeper into revealing what your life needs next. Many of my spiritual teachers say it’s so important to meet all those challenging feelings (without an accompanying story-line) and feel deeply in the body so that the energy can be resolved. A lifetime pursuit, perhaps. Love to you as the New Year tiptoes closer…
Thank you, Kathy!
Happy New Year Kathy!
Kim, I always smile when seeing you here! Happiest of New Years to YOU as well!
It IS quite awe inspiring that we’re still moving forward after so many (and so normal) tripping points in life. Here’s to 2019 being filled with new challenges and fun times!
Dawn, I like how you said that. We can be tripped up so many times, but look at us. We’re still alive and getting out there to enjoy life and sometimes even meeting new/old friends in coffee shops! Still smiling that we met one another this year. 🙂
I love the in-between times and am writing this in an in-between time as the sky begins to lighten and I can see that it is magically foggy outside. The fog is humming and calling for me to come out and join it. 🙂 I am deeply, on my knees grateful for love, for family, for friends, for the kitty that is sitting on my lap, for the beauty that surrounds us all (if we know enough to look). I am deeply grateful for so much that I’ll miss the fog if I keep going. lol!
My hopes and my unknowns… involve surrender, awakenings, connections. I’ve taken a Penguin Plunge of sorts (that’s our local run and jump into the cold water event) and I am excited and scared and everything all at the same time.
I think I’ll go wander in the fog now, and just enjoy the present and what is. Happy New Year, Kathy! ❤
Robin, your post made me so happy when I read it earlier this morning. Your energy sounded so open and grateful and loving. It’s wonderful when that arises and there is so much hope–even in spite of the fog which sometimes threatens to obscure. Also how exciting about the Penguin Plunge! That takes a lot of courage!! Many blessings to you for that continuing surrender, awakening and connections…. Love, Kathy
I love this post, and every single response to it as well. I love to think of us all, waiting, enjoying the moment in anticipation of what is to come. Thank you, Kathy!
Cindy, We’re in the hush of the birth canal right now, perhaps. And we’re about to be born again! Ha ha, I think I’ve used up all the available metaphors of the in-between time and should maybe right something else. *smile* Also hopes that your 2019 is blessed!
I love the picture of the apple on the winter branch.
Oh thank you, Sherry! I love it too!