Monday, December 31, 2007

Sawadee pi mai... 2008

สวัสดีปีใหม

It is 2008 in Thailand so this is when I will come out of lurkdom to wish everyone a wonderful New Year.

I know it is traditional to come up with a laundry list of resolutions but it's just not how I do things. I believe when we cloud ourselves too much with specific expectations, we miss too many good things that come along with simply remaining open. One of the things I've found most challenging is to wake up each day and say "yes". Say yes to any opportunity that may present itself that will allow me to give something to someone who might need it, to recognize the importance of being; being available and being conscious. I want to be present and available for the good things that come in small gestures, exchanged words and gentle kindnesses.

So that is my wish for everyone this year. May you always wake up and say "yes".

S'wadee pi mai.


~Chani

37 comments:

painted maypole said...

Happy New Year.

Yes.

wonderful.

meno said...

Hi chani. Welcome back.

And, YES!

flutter said...

To you, too.

Sai Hijara - Ferraris said...

Happy new year and YES! ;)

heartinsanfrancisco said...

S'wadee pi mai, Chani.

Happy New Year.

Wishing you every blessing in 2008, all the good things that come.

Yes.

Liv said...

It's as Danna Faulds says in her beautiful books of yogic poetry:

every breath, every journey is a yes and a coming home.


peace, sweetheart, and happy 2008.

Liz Dwyer said...

So glad you came out of lurkdom to wish us all a Happy New Year. Blessings to you and yours.

Anonymous said...

Yes!

Julie Pippert said...

I really like that, Chani.

I'm so immured in a goal-oriented culture where one must write a thesis goal and action plan to work towards that and I find it hard to think that's *all wrong* because it's such a big *should* and works for so many people but something about it niggles at me.

I like the yes. And I take your point and ponder it.

Many happy returns of marvelous for you in 2008.

Julie
Using My Words

Rima said...

Happy New Year to you, too, Chani!

It's nice to see you back.

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year to you, Chani! You've summed up my sentiments about New Year's resolutions quite beautifully here...now I feel validated ; )

blooming desertpea said...

S'wadee pi mai, Chani.

May your wishes come true!

Anvilcloud said...

Yes, and Happy New Year!

Jen said...

S'wadee pi mai to you, Chani! Enjoy 2008 and be present, present, present!

QT said...

I feel the same way about resolutions - thanks for the good wishes, and I will definitely be practicing "YES!" in 2008 ~

Anonymous said...

I think "yes" a wonderful word to start each day. And a wonderful day to start a new year.

Thank you, wise one. And Happy New Year to you.

Anonymous said...

I read one time that 97% of what we do, we do out of habit.

So my New Year's Resolution is always the same: to do fewer things out of habit, more things by choice.

Girlplustwo said...

waking up and saying YES is a great idea.

i've missed your writings.

The Atavist said...

Best wishes fro a Happy 2008!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely wish. (I kind of hope Benjamin takes it up -- he just keeps saying "no.")

Emily

Anonymous said...

What a lovely wish. (I kind of hope Benjamin takes it up -- he just keeps saying "no.")

Emily

Peter Clothier said...

Nice thought, Chani. And, of course, yes. Why not?

Catherine said...

I'm with you on that one! I've never made a single resolution, for similar reasons...

Happy New Year!

ewe are here said...

Yes!

And a happy new year to you, too!

niobe said...

Happy New Year!

anne said...

Best wishes for a year filled with opportunities for "yes".

Molly said...

Happy New Year, I saw your comment on The Chronicles of Molly Bawn. Thank you for the kind wishes, yes.

Susanne said...

Thank you for your wishes. A happy new year to you too.

(I don't believe in New Year resolutions either.)

Suzy said...

Yes, yes, yes. It's one of those words that brings on a smile.

Best wishes for a light-filled new year!

Janet said...

Yes! I like that.

x said...

I love that idea of saying yes each day and staying open to what comes instead of "clouding" oneself with resolutions and lists. I'm hoping I can do both, but creating certain structures in my life that leave me open to serendipitous ideas for writing.

Ian Lidster said...

What a wonderful thought. Happy 2008 to you, my friend.

Unknown said...

Happy New Year, Chani!

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!

Aliki2006 said...

Happy New Year to you! What a marvelous sentiment for the new year--I'm with you on that one, all the way.

Mary said...

Chani,

Saying "Yes" is a far cry from what I planned to say tomorrow morning when I wake up to go to work after a 13 day break. I was planning on saying, "NO! Ughhhhh." :o)

I'll remember "Yes" when the alarm sounds.

Happy New Year to you, Chani!

S said...

yep. perfect. yes.

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