Pat’s Cracked Cup: Aspirations For A New Year
The week between Christmas and New Year is a time to appreciate, give, and celebrate. It is also a good time for reflection.
I imagine what direction my own life will take during 2012. What do I want? What can I do?
I wonder about the people who have just received a diagnosis for multiple myeloma and others who remain in treatment. I wonder about people suffering from a variety of other ailments, as many of my friends are.
People make resolutions at this time of year, and many of these well-intended plans are abandoned within weeks. An aspiration is a small slogan of intent sent outward into the world as a reminder of what is possible.
“I aspire to appreciate this precious life.”
Some popular resolutions from long ago still work today: pay off debts, return borrowed items, and maintain good conduct.
Favorite resolutions for 2012 are: lose weight, get enough sleep, and learn something new. Most of us could benefit from these choices. The emphasis of a resolution tends to be on self-improvement - how to be a better person.
Some believe that the power to change the world is gathered one aspiration at a time. There is even a group collecting 100,000 aspirations to include in a peace monument.
“I aspire to be helpful.”
“I aspire to be kind.”
“I aspire to listen.”
Most of us would enjoy living in a more peaceful world. A healthier world is also desirable.
I came upon a Catalan proverb that tells me “from the bitterness of disease man learns the sweetness of health.” People reading The Myeloma Beacon will certainly know this to be true.
I can place my intention on an aspiration to overcome an obstacle or achieve a better situation. It’s an offering - something that can be offered over and over again.
“I aspire to support adequate healthcare for all.”
“I aspire to taste the sweetness of the good health in myself and others.”
“I aspire to find cheer in the New Year.”
What are your aspirations?
Pat Pendleton is a multiple myeloma patient and columnist at The Myeloma Beacon. You can view a list of her columns here.
If you are interested in writing a regular column to be published on The Myeloma Beacon, please contact the Beacon team at .
Pat, This is such a lovely column. Thank you for creating a moment for me to stop and consider the new year. My best to you for 2012.
Pat -- someone at a Christmas Eve party asked about New Year's "resolutions," and I thought I don't have anything to "resolve."
So an aspiration is much better for the coming year...it would be so nice to say "I aspire to good health" but myeloma doesn't always allow for that as it sneaks into our days & lives, taunting us with each blood report. I know I have already aspired to peaceful days without a lot of activity or conflict and have become more of a recluse, away from those who have baggage. Maybe I've become more selfish with my time and could aspire to help others, but it all sounds so vague. I do so in small ways within my circle of family & friends.
Thanks for getting us all to think this week! Stay well. Suzanne
Thank you, PAT!
Being somewhat still in the middle of things here, I aspire to live one day at a time
Hi Pat...I aspire to live life as 'The Art of the Possible'....and there are lots of possibilities! I routinely make NYR, which are a guideline for me throughout the year...some work out, some do not, but I would be just lost without recording them at this time of year! Happy New Year, and please keep us posted on YOUR thoughts!
Pat, Thank you for the wonderful column. It made my day reading it. I aspire to continuing the fight with my multiple myeloma, and supporting all others with this disease. Happy New Year, and Good Health to You and Your loved ones!
A couple weeks ago on a trip, while waiting for my flight, I was pounding out THE LIST on my smart phone. I tend to not just wish for personal postulates or list attainable/realistic resolutions, but I postulate and wish for my family, friends, and yes the world. Ok, maybe some really out there hopes. Throughout the year when these things pop in my head (I don't limit myself to New Year's), I write them down and stick them up. It is fun, though there was a time in my life where I didn't feel that way. Great column. Dream BIG everyone!
My husband was just diagnosed with MM.. I AM overwhelmed,as we begin our journey. I appreciate any support and encouragement. Pat, you sound very upbeat and am glad I found this site. Thanks.
My husband Tom was diagnosed with MM plus the p17 factor in November 2011. He's been on be Velcade treatment since December and is responding well with no side effects. But now we need to decide about SCT. I wonder if continuing the Velcade is a viable option or if the SCT should be done sooner rather than later. He is 61 but has had bypass heart surgery 15 yrs ago. He's having a hard time coming to terms with this disease so I'm trying to do as much research as possible.
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