Welcoming the new year means saying good-by to 2011. That inspires me to pause and consider some of the experiences of this past year that stand out in my mind. Are there some I’d love to repeat? Were there times I didn’t live up to my “better self?” Did I make commitments to finish certain projects but didn’t follow through? Did I develop some new ideas that were tucked away for a later date? Did I show up in a loving way with friends and family? Did I reach out to new faces and comfort old ones too? Did I let others down at any time?
Let me break these recollections down a bit: When it comes to “work completed,” I would give myself a pretty high score for the year, 2011. I finished two books and brainstormed about some topics for upcoming books to write. I have been blessed with the quality of perseverance and that has allowed me to stay easily and quietly focused on projects through their completion. That’s my strong suit, in fact. It has freed me from the kind of angst that so many colleagues who do the kind of work I do suffer from. I consider it God’s grace. Completely.
When it comes to being present when a friend needs me, I have tried to be the person I want others to be if I need them. Again, I would give myself pretty fair marks. I lovingly and very willingly sat with one of my best friends as she lay dying and I showed up for another one as often as possible throughout her chemo. And I spent long hours in conversation with sponsees when the need was there. In each case I simply followed my heart and God did the rest. That’s one of the truisms of my journey, in fact. An open heart coupled with willingness allows God to get involved.
My interactions with family over this past year were extremely fulfilling. I mentioned in an earlier blog about a visit to Phoenix this fall with my sisters to visit our younger brother and what a joy that was. To share 5 days with siblings and never experience a cross word or a minute’s tension is evidence of the miracle of my recovery, as far as I am concerned. For certain I am not the woman I used to be in the presence of my family. Perhaps they have changed as well. For sure I have.
It’s most likely that I failed to live up to “my better self” with my husband, oftener than with any one else. That’s probably normal, though not really excusable, since he is “my primary teacher” and we live in one another’s sacred circle for many hours every day. Is it the ego that pushes me to react, to say those words I am sorry for? I’d say yes. I have learned, and I am forced to keep learning, that the ego speaks first, loudest and is always wrong. Why do I listen to it? Indeed, why. And of course it’s because sometimes I can’t stand to just “step aside.” I must “be right.” I don’t take every opportunity to choose peace that presents itself. But I do choose it more often than in past years. That’s the good news.
It’s progress. Not perfection. I am a work in progress. 2011 was a pretty good year on all counts. Can I make 2012 even better? That’s the question. I think yes. How about you?
Thelma Ross
Karen you are one of my memories from 2011 when you came to Arizona and gave of yourself and your books to our women in Weldon House. I am looking forward to your time with us in March. You have been such an incredable “guiding light” to so many. It is a personal pleasure to have met you and again I am so looking forward to the event in March. Have a blessed year.
karencasey
Thelma RossHow sweet of you to have written. Make yourself known to me in March. Okay?
Karen
Rebecca
Any tips on staying focuses and perservering would be greatly appreciated. I have read so many of your books and you have been a great life teacher for me. Thank you. I started writing a book about five years ago, about my grief process in the death of my husband. Got sidetracked, but did begin to write again when I became unemployed. I know that is what God wants me to do. All the messages point there. Friends, strangers have begged me to write my book. I just can’t seem to get back at it. When I think about it, its overwhelming and I wonder why I ever thought I should/could. Something is just standing in my way – my ego too perhaps?
karencasey
RebeccaHi Rebecca,
Beginning a book of any kind does feel a bit overwhelming, for any of us. However, once you get started it will begin to flow. Trust me. the topic may be pretty tough at times but keep in mind all the people you can help with the book. Just begin.
Karen
Rebecca
karencaseyThank you so much….. You helped me more than you will ever know.
karencasey
RebeccaI am delighted to have been of some help. Writers need to help each other out, I think.
Karen
Cindi
I hope it is a better year, my ego always seems to be charge at home and at work. I find it hard to let go of things that God knows I should let go of. I read alot your books, I read Let Go every day, it brings me hope that I can find peace if I want to, I don’t drink, but grew up in it, it was just plain crazy, I feel that way sometime, but getting better every day, by the grace of God. I am turning 49 on 1/1, I hope to be alot better by 50. Thank you for the great books you have written and for being so honest about yourself. Namaste.
karencasey
CindiHi Cindi,
Thanks so much for writing. The ego causes all of us problems. Believe me I know. It’s a daily reprieve we get based on our spiritual condition. Blessings to you.
Karen