Playfully Planning for 2020

I am on family overload and I am not complaining.

We've made this blur of holiday/weekday/workday stretch of time between Christmas and New Year's Eve a non-stop parade of family time, gatherings, meals, wine, cocktails, movies, food and fun. I did manage to squeeze in some yoga classes throughout it all, sometimes taking the seat of the teacher and others, of the student.

How glorious it has been!

On Sunday our group gathered for a family dinner in the city and I got to spend time in meaningful conversation with people I love, but often don't get a chance to really dig into the big things with during our backyard bar-b-ques or other events that bring us together.

If those moments had been a dish of "nice cream" I would have been seen eating it up with a spoon.

One conversation in particular was especially valuable to me. I managed to get some one-on-one time with my husband's father in law, my daughter's adopted grandfather, Abelardo. He goes by the nickname, "Lito Belar" (short for Abuelito Abelardo)

This man and I have a special relationship. Mostly because I'm doing everything in my power to make him laugh, we have a ton of fun when we're together.

We tease each other, we talk about silly things and yes, we kind of flirt together. I'll pretend to blow a kiss, he'll catch it and press it to his heart. Sometimes he'll act as if my husband saw the whole thing and act as if it never happened. He's a card, a ham, and someone who you would be hard-pressed not to smile around.

Age has softened his understanding of many things. He still asks for his wife, who has since passed away, on an almost daily basis. He doesn't know what day it is most times and forgets that he's eaten. But on this evening, none of that mattered.

I asked him if he knew that the new year was coming up - and though he didn't, I helped him understand that in just a few days, we'd be saying goodbye to 2019 and hello to 2020.

I asked him next if he wanted to have a New Year's Eve party. "Claro que si!" was his response. Of course! in Spanish. So we started planning. 

"Who will we invite?" I asked. "Todo la gente de la calle!" he responded. (all the people in the street!) "Will we have beer?" 

"A whole truck full!"

"How about playing dominos?"

"Yes, but only a game and a half."

The conversation went on like that for a while. By the time we were done, I wished this pretend party was going to be a real party. We were going to have live music. Dancing. Plenty of food. And now that I think of it, he'd insisted he be in charge of the guest list, so there was no guarantee that even my own husband could come. This idea made him laugh quite a bit. Always the flirt.

Later I reflected on this little practice of playfully planning a party that would never happen. A party that existed only in the moment. In our minds and hearts. 

How glorious it was!

On my yoga mat, I strive to be truly present. Reveling in the breath, enjoying each inhale and exhale - that exact moment that I exist.

How glorious it can be!

Maybe all parties, all resolutions, all new year/month/day/decade promises/habit starting/habit breaking/diets/regimens/practices should have this level of frivolity inspiring them. There was no real pressure to make it happen, just a desire to laugh and enjoy the moment of playful planning. Yes, we all use the new year as a nice and tidy moment in which to make change - but the truth is, every single day gives us that opportunity. Seize it now with joy and laughter.

Happy New Year, indeed.