01/ 06/ 2013
I’ve got to be honest—2012 was not a good year. When I left for vacation, I was relieved that it was coming to an end. Before writing the year’s last “Lessons From Somewhere,” I took a look at previous entries. I’ve noticed a common theme—contentment (or learning to seek peace and find joy even when living in chaos).
While on vacation, I saw The Hobbit with my family. Of course this brought on a desperate need to watch The Lord of the Rings trilogy. We watched them at home, the theatrical cuts first. Then I remembered I had copies of the extended versions. I thought they were in NYC but low and behold, they were tucked away on the bookshelf in my parent’s guestroom. Clearly, I had to watch them—the theatrical cuts are just not the same as the extended versions.
I ended up watching the entire trilogy three times in a row. I’ve seen the films tons of times before, but this go around, I was captivated by its message of faith, hope and support; I also felt the story was preparing me for the upcoming year.
We’ve all felt like the main character Frodo, given an impossible task, a burden that may even kill us… somehow we get through it. This doesn’t mean we’re the same. Going through trials changes a person, but we begin to understand that this impossible journey is our fate. We were chosen for it, it didn’t choose us. Aragorn — another central player and my favorite character — inspires me. His optimism and ability to remain hopeful when all seems loss are baffling (I’m hoping to channel him this year).
Elijah Wood as Frodo
Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn
But I was most intrigued by the support that each character received. They had friends that helped them accomplish their tasks. They weren’t alone. They didn’t isolate themselves. Instead they looked to others to help them on their paths, people who didn’t judge them and truly believed in them.
This intrigue sent me to my main source of enlightenment—Oprah Winfrey. I went to her website and read this article by Martha Beck. She explains that your “committee” should make you feel loved and accepted no matter what. It doesn’t have to be comprised of people whom are a part of your every day life, it’s just important that they’re easily accessible (like through video, words or song). It could be someone who’s work or legacy inspires you, a fictional character from a book or a songwriter. So far, mine is comprised of one person I actually know (she’s my “chair”), 1 song writer and 2 fictional characters.
Entering 2013 with this sort of momentum, a vision of hopefulness and this group of inspiring people, is empowering. I’m embracing 2013 and looking forward to the journey however tumultuous it may be.
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