Today it is New Year's Eve, on this side of the world. Paul & I have been in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for a little over a month. Our lives are back to a comfortable rhythm of slow travel. This morning, I was swimming laps in the pool of our building, smiling back at the local families who were playing in the pool, yet giving me space to swim. As I glided on my back, looking at the open blue sky and balconies on our building, I started to really appreciate how lucky Paul & I are. After a lifetime of work, raising a family, building careers, we are now settling into a steady life of creativity, adventure, good food, and conscious focus on health and well-being. Finding our joy.
Today, the last day of the year (2024) is a good example. I started the day by grinding coffee in my little travel (non-electric) coffee grinder and making 2 cups in my french press. When I realized how sunny it was outside, I went to the pool - concerned it might be too crowded to swim laps, but instead finding only 2 families enjoying the water. Invigorated by the swim, I returned to the apartment, took a hot shower, and sat down and opened an e-book I've been reading, The Garden of Evening Mists, by Malaysian writer Tan Twan Eng. There is a certain pleasure from reading a novel set in the place where we are currently staying - a window into culture, history, and philosophies. I look forward to tonight - when Paul & I will stay in our apartment greeting the New Year the way we have for years now, just the two of us, with a little fruit & cheese, and a nice bottle of champagne. I admire the clouds. We have found so much joy in looking out our window at the interplay of light, sky, and clouds.
Eventually, I look at the news. I saw so many references to what kind of year we just went through - 2024. In a way, it was a crazy year, particularly outlined in this essay by David Barry that was shared by a family member on Facebook. This led me to remember that wonderful song by Gnarls Barkley, "Crazy", that my son recommended I learn on my uke a few years ago. You can see their version here. My cousin had just sent me a link to a very different version by Desi Dennis-Dylan that was also wonderful, so the song was on my mind. You can see that version here. I thought, "Wouldn't it be a good idea to record it and post it today? Why yes." Because the world does feel a little crazy. But in the song, the writers pay homage to their family and role models, and perhaps suggest that if we don't feel a little bit crazy, we might not be paying attention. Speaking of role models, Jimmy Carter's passing and the 99th birthday video of Dick Van Dyke singing and dancing remind me of how much I can still do with my life, even though I'm almost 67. Make every day count.
Indeed, there were some big problems in 2024. Paul's medical condition went untreated due to an unresponsive health insurance industry and exorbitant pharmaceutical costs. The election year felt like madness most of the time. Our travels, while wonderful, were a bit frenzied. But the bright spots far outweighed the negatives.
Family was a big part of our lives in 2024. We visited with a lot of family, and celebrated a wedding and a big anniversary. We re-connected with our friends. Paul is getting treatment here in Malaysia, where medical care is excellent & affordable. We are back to a relaxing rhythm. I sang with my friend, Julie, the Beatles hit, "Let it Be". That song implores us to go inside ourselves, and dig deep for peace and understanding. I love it that Paul McCartney drew his inspiration for the song from having a dream of his late mother, whose name was Mary, saying these words to him during the night. I, too, continue to receive wisdom from important people who have passed away. I have always been a little driven. These words of wisdom, let it be, might be worthy guideposts for my 2025. Not to ignore pain and suffering. Not to blindly accept policies that hurt people. But to reach deep to find understanding and poise when trying to help people less fortunate than we are. To listen more. To recognize and acknowledge that I don't know everything. I don't have all the answers. But I am still asking questions. That's got to be a good thing.
So I ground myself in things that make me feel more whole - swimming, walking, conversing with my husband, eating good food, reading, and making music. That, for me, is finding my joy. My wish for you in 2025, is that you find your joy.
Beautiful! Happy New Year! 🕊🌍🌎🌏