Happy New Year!

Hello Family -

2010 is fast approaching, and I'm eagerly awaiting its arrival. Each year, I remind you (and myself) of Max Ehrmann's Desiderata. This year, I had a particularly hard time seeing beyond the "sham and drudgery" and remembering that "it is still a beautiful world." Thank goodness for the gentle, wonderful reminders that pepper my days: Jacob's laughter, words of support, love and encouragement from Andres, waking up after a good night's rest, a delectable meal with a fabulous glass of wine (or mojito) and perfect company and conversation.

I started this year with a bang - attending the inauguration, partying it up with new and old friends, and sharing an experience with millions of people that I will cherish for the rest of my life. But overall, it has been a very hard year. We lost our miracle girl, Meenakshi. It was a blow to my family, my heart, and my faith. As most of you know, earlier this month, I experienced a miscarriage, and that broke our hearts. I was speaking to my sister-in-law, Ruchi, and she said, "I'm just ready for this year to be over!" I completely agree. Though ever grateful for the time I'm given with my family and friends, I'm just ready to begin anew.

The sage advice in "Everyone is Free to Wear Sunscreen"* resonated with me at several key moments this year:

• Don't worry about the future, or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind: the kind that blindsides you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday.
• Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself, either. Your choices are half chance, so are everybody else's.
• Enjoy your body: use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it or what other people think of it; it's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.
• Do one thing every day that scares you.

In the interest of beginning anew (and doing one thing every day that scares me), I've resigned from my job at the bank and am taking some time to figure out exactly what my next steps need to be. I feel immensely blessed to have this opportunity and will enjoy the extra time with Jacob and Andres while I uncover the path to my next great adventure. I’m extremely hopeful and excited about my future.

I don’t know what the next year will bring. But I know that I am filled with optimism and anticipation. We’ll be ringing in the New Year under a blue moon AND a partial lunar eclipse. It is hard to imagine that it could be anything other than perfectly auspicious.

My wish for us in the coming year is the same as it was last year: enormous peace and grace, exceptional adventure, immense blessings, and that our souls will have enough boldness and our spirits will be brave enough* to live within each moment (each miracle ) we are given and to find something in that moment that is pleasing. That we will "go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence."

Of course, I must ask that you revisit Desiderata as you begin 2010. Try to remember to “be gentle with yourself” and “to keep peace in your soul.” Most importantly, "strive to be happy."

All my very best to you in 2010. I look forward to our paths crossing.

Be well, and be in touch,

Sidney

*http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTJ7AzBIJoI

**Thanks, Baudelaire

Desiderata

By Max Ehrmann

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.