2012: The Year of Optimism

As I’ve been making my New Year’s Resolutions, I’m sure my list has looked like the list of many others.  The typical: eat healthier foods, exercise more, all of the usual stuff.  I wasn’t exactly thrilled with my goals and was trying to find something more, when I stumbled upon this poem, and now my focus for this year seems so obvious.

Love Letter to the World

By: Kate Swoboda

In the face of complaints, look that person in the eye and imagine what it might have been like to be raised to see only what is wrong.

In the face of selfishness, wonder what it might be like to walk the world with a feeling of lack, of depletion.

In the face of insults, consider where this person first learned that it’s okay to abuse others.

In the face of disconnection, think about what causes it, and ask if your response will widen the river between the two of you.

In the face of laziness, recognize the fear of living big dreams.

In the face of extremism or fundamentalism, see the clinging, as well as the terror-filled silence that would arise for that person if they risked letting go.

In the face of controlling behavior, understand the chaos that must have bred it.

In the face of “always needing to be right,” see how often this person was once made wrong.

In the face of arrogance or bravado, hold gently that still, small piece that says “I’m not enough.”

In the face of drama or attention-seeking, see the person who wishes so much to be seen.

In the face of accusation, imagine what it might be like to live life with suspicion.

In the face of judgment or comparisons, step into the opportunity the world has just provided you for practicing love and acceptance.

In the face of passive-aggressiveness, recognize the child that wasn’t taught a safe way to express their truth.

In the face of anger, see the pain of isolation from others.

Most importantly: In the face of ferocious hatred, believe in the possibility that there exists the potential for equally as big, intense, lovely and fiery ferocious love.

This poem spoke volumes to me.  As much as I like to pretend like I’m the same girl I was six months ago, I’m not.  I’ve lost the naïve trust I once possessed, and I don’t see people in the same glimmering light I once did.  So, my goal for 2012 is to restore that optimism.  I want 2012 to be the year that I decided to see the best in everyone and give everyone the benefit of the doubt, including myself.  My hope for 2012, is that this becomes ‘The Year of Optimism’.