The Good Life ~ Sacramento
Exploring a City with a Small-Town Feel and World of PotentialArchive for New Year
New Year! New You?
What is the New Year all about, really – beyond the glitz, horns, crowds and late night mayhem? Isn’t it really just a symbol for something that humans seem to need? A reason to pause, look back, see where we’ve been… A chance to put it into perspective and take note of our lives so we can live them a little more consciously. Isn’t the beginning of a new year like a fresh start or do-over even?
It is, to me, a reminder to honor the past and envision the future. Sure, I like having a reason to drink tiny bubbles and literally sparkle against the darkness of the night… but how about getting in touch with that inner sparkle and carrying it into the New Year?! I suppose that’s why we have New Year’s resolutions and extended gym hours. But beyond our societal traditions is something deeper; something both universal and highly personal.
If you could literally start over, what would you do, who would you be, how would you approach the dawn of a new day?
2011: Finely Tuned
The fog has set in, although I barely notice it. It’s hard to believe it will last for long, considering we just had a string of sunny, 60-something-degree days – and let’s be honest – the seasons aren’t what they used to be.
I guess the sunshine is still with me, however, burning off the fog in my mind. And it is certainly symbolic too, as the 28 days of 2011 thus far have been unusually energizing for this typically hibernation-induced time of year. At least for me. If feels like an especially brand new year, and I am awakened in the middle of the night by thoughts of potential for my life to come.
How can I help the environment more?
What talents can I utilize to help others?
What are my greatest accomplishment desires?
Where might I be wasting time or energy?
Sometimes, at a new beginning, the rush to cement our goals in reality creates an inflexibility that causes the pressure to build and the intrinsic interest in something to wane. And not knowing precisely what I want my future to look like, I don’t feel the need to force it. Maybe I am comforted by the stirrings I feel within, knowing that if I at least pay attention and remain open, my particular path will continue to unfold, just as it always has.
And maybe, this particular period of my life will be even more significant than the last, because that’s how it feels…. But for now, while my eyes are weary and my passions are nesting, I’m going back to bed to get some more rest.
Tomorrow’s another big day.
There is something special about Sacramento; the rich land upon which it was built, the rivers that flow through, the bounty around it and the people who make the Sacramento area their home.
Life is good in California’s Capital City for many reasons, including climate and geography, community and amenities, nature and wildlife, and so much more. It’s hard to imagine a warmer feeling than a sunshine-drenched morning here, an easier feeling than a refreshing post-rain spring day, or a more engaging experience than a night on the town with friends or family.
There’s truly something here for everyone and every mood, for Sacramento is a shifting entity itself, with four distinct but relatively mild seasons, diverse neighborhoods and people, a ripening food and restaurant scene, year-round events and outdoor fun, and daytime and night-time adventures. Its magic is a blend of history and tradition, vision and reinvention. And there’s so much pleasure to be had here – with family and friends, food and wine, adventures and experiences – that they’re likely to create the kind of fond memories that might seem so familiar… but aren’t quite like any other.
