Last night – Christmas Eve – we had snow in East Tennessee. This is a uncommon occurrence for us but a welcome one, especially given the holiday.
Falling snow is mesmerizing to watch as it dances toward the ground under the watchful eyes of street lamps. And I spent some time bundled up on our front porch watching it snow. Not only was it calming, it also was quiet. The snow blankets and quiets everything.
I was reminded that we pause to celebrate holidays because we need the quiet. Not only do we need to slow down every so often. Not only do we need to rest regularly. Not only do we need to relax from time to time. We also need the quiet.
To think more clearly.
To reflect more productively.
To daydream more creatively.
To focus more intently.
And to listen more earnestly. Not to the outside world with all its noisiness, but to our own small but powerful internal voice. The one that speaks truth to us.
So as I sat and watched the snow fall, I committed myself to finding more quiet in the New Year. I invite you to join me. In a boisterous world where projecting a perception of constant busy-ness is viewed as success by many, be a contrarian with me.
May 2021 be the year that we commit ourselves to authentically embracing and prioritizing the quest for more quiet in our lives. If we allow ourselves to seek quiet more often, we just might find we also are able to make a more positive impact in our crazy, cacophonous world.
Happy Holidays to each of you. And thank you for reading – some of you since the beginning way back in 2009! I appreciate you and wish you all the best in the year ahead.