Is anyone else as obsessed with the television show New Girl as I am? The title of this post vaguely reminded me of the episode when Nick thinks he meets a future version of himself, and he asks "Future Nick" for advice in the coming years. Sadly, he realizes "Future Nick" is actually just a crazy old man in a box. Hey, it could happen to anyone. What? You don't know what I'm talking about? No? Okay, I digress.
I wanted to wrap up this week long look at our 2012 accomplishments and 2013 goals with the mention of a New Years Eve tradition that's close to my heart. And while I love New Girl and the concept of "Future Nick Wendy," what this post is really about is a tradition I started back in the 1990s, way back when Friends was the hit sitcom on television, and Alex and I were innocent college students at Miami University. A neighborhood friend of mine and I were talking and she filled me in on her tradition of writing a letter to herself each New Year's Eve, to be opened one year later. I loved the idea and thought it was a great way to reflect and make note of a passing year, rather than just celebrating the new year with a little champagne and a new calendar.
I started the practice of New Year's letter writing on December 31, 1997, and have completed my annual note each year since, which makes this year's letter my 15th anniversary in the practice. In essence, this hand written note is a recap of the highs and lows of the past year, expectations for the future, and is capped off with a few resolutions. I seal the letter in an envelope, and write the date it will be opened on the outside.
Each December 31, I take some time to sit quietly and read my letter from the previous year. I then reflect on my year and experiences and write out my next letter to be opened the following year. I also love and find it rather fascinating to read back through letters of past years to see how I've grown and changed, note how relationships or endeavors have succeeded or failed, relive joy and heartbreak, and remember what was most important to me at a given time in my life.
Since moving into this house, I can't tell you how many of the items are, in some way, home or project related. More specifically, how many of of my updates say "I know I wrote this last year, but this year is totally the year to renovate the master bathroom." But most importantly, as much fun as it is to reflect on and appreciate the year's experiences and accomplishments, I like to be frank and honest with myself. If a year was difficult or miserable, I definitely don't want to make myself look back on it through rose colored glasses, especially if these letters become my lasting impression of any given year as a whole.
To me, this tradition that I've established for myself marks the end of a chapter, as well as a new, fresh beginning. In light of not having a crystal ball or "Future Wendy" to provide direction and interpretation of life experiences, I feel this letter is the next best thing. Though this isn't particularly DIY/home improvement/decor related, it feels similar to the way we hide time capsules of who we are and what we enjoy in the walls of our home. These letters become my personal time capsules that I'm able to open and enjoy each year.
Do you have any New Year's traditions? Perhaps it's a special meal you enjoy with family (pork and sauerkraut anyone?), a place you visit, or an activity you engage in? I'd love to hear how you've been gearing up for 2013.
