The New Year

 

Every year I seek a word

 a thought or a phrase

 to claim as my purpose for the year.

 

I like having something on which to focus

 as I go about the daily business of living;

 something I can consider and return to over and over

 to make sure I'm growing and learning;

 a reminder to offer love and hope and light to people who cross my path.

 

This year, I chose a thought, Inspired by Irish poet John O'Donohue.

 

 

I love the visual reminder

of a river

always flowing

through channels of

smooth, open water

over stones

past fields

and shaded by forests;

of the narrow channels

with churning water

and whirpools

and jagged rocks

that seem to split

the continuity of something

so mighy

and so strong.

 

I like the peace

of a river

and its fearless flowing,

constant

regardless of what lies

around the next bend.

 

It just keeps on flowing.

 

 

John O'Donohue wrote:

"I would love to live like a river flows, carried by the surprise of its own unfolding.”

 

You can find information about Mr. O'Donohue

and his wonderful books by visiting his website

 

http://www.johnodonohue.com/books