I think it all started with seeing a picture in which I was told that the New Year was also a New Moon and a New Opportunity and a New … well, you get the idea.

Theoretically, when the Moon does its’ thing, it raises the Rocky Mountains up six inches or so.

Not sure if I really believe that, but that’s what I have been told.

So it stands to reason that there was magic in the air as the clock struck midnight the other day and the year of 2014 came to an official start.

At least it felt that way.

Probably it has had more to do with “permission”. Being given permission was always a big thing growing up. And I didn’t get permission often. For much of anything.

Old habits die hard. But they do die eventually, it turns out.

I remember hearing once that you should record a tape of your own voice … or even better of a parents voice … vocally giving you permission to do things, live life, lose guilt, enjoy all things that can be enjoyed.

It turns out that is pretty powerful stuff.

Flash forward to the other day and I got triple permission, as it were.

First there was the “sign” of all the memes out on the internet … telling me that this was “the year” and that everything was “in place” for me to allow myself the freedom to take a few risks.

Second there was Bethea. You remember Bethea. Who does horoscopes for fun and profit. And she sent me a note for the New Year.

The New Moon is a great time for beginnings and we are very lucky this year as the New Moon falls on January 1st. This way, you can incorporate this extra-power and energy into your New Year’s Resolutions.

And third there was Neil Gaiman. All over the place.

Two quotes hit me directly between the eyes. Here they are:

Quote 1 – “May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness.

I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art – write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can.

And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.”

Quote 2 – “I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes.

Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world.

You’re doing things you’ve never done before, and more importantly, you’re Doing Something.

So that’s my wish for you, and all of us, and my wish for myself. Make New Mistakes. Make glorious, amazing mistakes. Make mistakes nobody’s ever made before.

Don’t freeze, don’t stop, don’t worry that it isn’t good enough, or it isn’t perfect, whatever it is: art, or love, or work or family or life.

Whatever it is you’re scared of doing, Do it.

Make your mistakes, next year and forever.”

Make mistakes? On purpose? Do what I’m scared of doing? Don’t worry that it is not good enough?

Glorious, big, amazing mistakes?

So, what could I do?

Well, to begin with I decided to confront someone and see exactly where I stood. At a quarter after twelve. No need to wait until later, right?

Then, I proceeded to tell the world on Facebook … okay … maybe only a small handful of people … that I was thrilled and energized and all that.

The following day I heard back from a friend who used to be very involved in yoga. I had decided I might want to check it out for myself.

Turns out since I saw her last, she bought a Yoga studio and teaches classes. And next week she will be offering a free class for those who might be interested in seeing what Yoga is all about.

Sign me up.

This was especially ironic given the fact that I went out to look at that note from Bethea. It was to get material for this blog entry.

Lo and behold this is what she said for that day.

Mystical subjects like yoga and meditation may really appeal to you. That’s because you’re looking to go beyond the mundane realities of life. Get in touch with your spiritual side.

Nothing like having Bethea on my side, I suppose.

I proceeded to research a few places I might write and … gulp … get paid to do so. And today I was encouraged to do something creative that I had only hinted at before.

I’ll let you know when I make that huge mistake.

Then last, but not least I decided to reread the two Gaiman quotes top to bottom every day for about a month. That way it would remind me on a daily basis of the new attitude I am using this year. It would make me feel better. And it will let me live life more fully in 2014.

Yes I have. (so far)
Yes it has.
Yes it did.
Yes I will.

At least that’s the plan.