I know I’m due for a stripe-inspired post but I just can’t seem to find any at the moment.
Stripes appeal to me because they give me a sense of calm, control, equality, elegance, predictability, a repeating pattern, simplicity and strength.
Oh how I wish life was stripy, like one of the gorgeous black and white gift boxes in department stores. But alas no, life is a like a paper bag with no handles – you have to work out your way of carrying it.
The wise ones tell us that…
- life throws you curveballs
- life is not a straight line
- life is full of ups and downs
Regardless of the messy tracks of life in the dust, the stripes should still be there in the sidelines, looking on with wonder, curiosity also perhaps some envy. So where are the stripes that keep me feeling grounded? Why can’t I see any straight ones?
Over the last week I’ve had several people say to me ‘it’s the end of the year’ and ‘you’ve had a big year’. Is this the reason? Is it that simple?
When I was a child in the UK, the new year fell in the middle of the cold, wet, dark winter, it was during a short break from school mid-term, and as Brits do so well we celebrated and then just carried on (after a few too many drinks in a cosy warm pub mind – a good combination). But the end of the year just didn’t feel as intense.
To be honest, it perplexes me that the end of the year becomes such a real and accepted explanation (excuse?!?) for so many, because Jan 1 from Dec 31 is really no different to Sep 1 from Aug 31, or April 12 from April 13 (unless you are hugely spiritual or religious).
From my childhood perspective, a southern hemisphere December is more like a UK August when the school year finishes; a UK December more like an Australian June, mid winter. Opposite sides of the Earth for real! Topsy turvy.
So for me, there is no obvious end to the year, the timing is quite arbitrary and perhaps based on another factor (not sure what though). However I do know that one day simply follows another. Other wise people agree, ‘life is a circle’ they say.
I wonder if this common end of year malaise is just pressure that the majority of people put on themselves and each other and then it just grows and grow and grows. Have people actually really thought about it and if it’s real, or if they are subconsciously following the rest of the herd? I’m sure there are social and science experiments about it, but I do wonder if it is easier to accept than to question.
My stripes might be a bit bruised at the moment, but I do not believe it is due to the date. I believe that there is no reason actually, it’s just the way life is on this day. A curve(ball) perhaps, 😉
My inner vision board is stripes and trees. They will manifest again.
Love (wonky) Stripes and Trees xxx
Stripes & Trees 