The More Things Change…
One hundred and fifty years ago, the French journalist Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr (they don’t make names like they used to) wrote: “Plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose.” Loosely translated: “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Or as my kids might say: “Same old; same old.”
I’ve Been Thinking About Things
that change and things that stay the same this Holiday Season. It’s such a ritualized time of year: meals, gatherings, connecting with family and friends, traditions of gift-giving, music-making, decorating, memories of when we were young or when our children were young.
This can all feel grounding and comforting, yet where would we be without the zing of the new, and the energy of change? Even if you’re gathering at the same table, it’s nice to see fresh faces!
In My Own Life, This Year
I packed up and sold the house where I had lived for 26 years, and moved my home and office into a neat little condo rental one community away. We’re talking major change here, but I love my new down-sized, leaner footprint. Yet when I visit my 95-year old Mother in my childhood city of Montréal in a few days, I’ll be dipping into my own treasure-trove of memories, so grateful for all that has not changed.
I’d Say December is a Yearly Marker
of where we are, where we’ve been and where we hope we’re headed. May your days be merry and bright, filled with enough old and new to feel…just right.
From my home to yours: Happy Holidays!