December Expectations

That Little Voice 

Welcome to December 2024.

And what do you expect during the upcoming four weeks: a big Christmas filled with family, gift buying, decorating, cooking, working, laughing, celebrating?

I have been wondering what my expectations are as I consider this final month of the year. Not sure I have ever wondered what a month would bring, but as I face an uncertain future politically, economically, and since I’m in my later years, physically, maybe its time to dust off some goals I would like to enjoy this last 30 days of 2024.

I want to walk my dogs every day, on new paths, old trails, neighborhoods I know and ones I’ve never visited.

I want to see friends, hug people I’m introduced to, exchange laughs, offer hope, eat food I like, check on family, sit quietly, read non-challenging books, write whatever comes to my mind, be alone, watch Christmas movies, cry, eat popcorn, and be content.

I don’t aspire to conquer the world. I’m not interested in making more money, or climbing the ladder of success, or building a business, or buying a new car, or buying any car. My aspirations are far less grand than they were 20 years ago or even 10 years ago. In fact, last year I may have been more driven than I am today, and I’m surprised to feel relief.

No doubt this is a condition of age, or perhaps it is because it is the end of an emotionally packed year.

I may wake on January 1, 2025, rested, energized, and ready to participate in the endless opportunities awaiting we humans. Until then, I’m eating more pumpkin pie, staying up late into the nights watching mindless movies, and watching my doglets chase enemies while they sleep. Their whimpers and jerking legs tell me they are in the ‘hunt,’ at least in their dreams.

So, my expectations for December are about resting, letting go of 2024, sending it on its way into my memory bank, and preparing for the new adventures of 2025.

Stay tuned.