...and begin this wondrous new year by believing!
I wonder how many of you began 2021 with such a positive perspective, as demonstrated by these words spoken by Sarah Ban Breathnach. Certainly, the start of the year perhaps did not fill you with the expected optimism and promise, after an uncertain 2020. Nevertheless, as we complete the first month today, I challenge you to take this leap of faith and find those wondrous opportunities.
Writing the first blog of a new year seemed a slightly daunting task initially, with a new year and a quandary about which topics should be explored. That was until I found the following quote, included in a book which compiles thoughts of the writer C. S. Lewis:
"The Past is frozen and no longer flows, and the Present is all lit up with eternal rays"
Some of the extracts originate from his fantasy series, The Chronicles of Narnia, which were a firm favourite from my earliest memories of listening to, and learning to read. Set in the fictional world of Narnia, the books narrate the adventures of various children who witness adventures in a land of magic, mythical beasts and animals which can talk. Underlying everything is the serene presence of Aslan, a lion who is described as 'King of the Beasts' and who plays a clear role in teaching the characters the difference between good and evil and the importance of staying true to yourself. Consequently, the extracts from this short book are a delight to read and I read one every night before completing the day, to finish with a thought-provoking statement before bedtime.
Looking at the quote in more detail, it feels very relevant to the present time, particularly as we are fast approaching a year since lockdown and restrictions began in the UK. I find myself regularly looking at photo memories, recalling what was happening 1 year ago and I wholeheartedly encourage you all to do so with optimism. Provided that we are able to look at the past and recognise its stationary existence, I think it may be very useful to remind oneself of what experiences and adventures we have enjoyed as a way to keep moving forwards with hope for what is to come.
I think we may learn much about the current distress by considering what has taken place in the past, learning from those events and consistently remembering the eternal rays NOW.
In relation to the triad of past, present and future, Winston Churchill said:
"If we open a quarrel between past and present, we shall find that we have lost the future"
These words demonstrate how we can so easily get caught up in what has happened and forget about what is yet to come. During what was termed his 'Finest Hour' speech, Churchill addressed Parliament in June 1940 with these words. He urged perseverance and endurance during the Battle of Britain with these heartening words. This was a position in which the UK needed to brace themselves for what was to come, to stay happy in remembrance of all that they had enjoyed with their loved ones but to remain firmly in the present time to handle their existence and that of the entire country. Focusing on what was happening currently was absolutely necessary.
Only a few days before, Churchill had spoken the following momentous words:
We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be.
We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender, and even if, which I do not for a moment believe, this island or a large part of it were subjugated and starving, then our Empire beyond the seas, armed and guarded by the British fleet, would carry on the struggle, until, in God's good time, the new world, with all its power and might, steps forth to the rescue and the liberation of the old.
We are fortunately no longer caught amidst a raging world war, but these words can provide us with light at the end of the tunnel during these strange times. We are moving towards brighter times, alongside the longer days moving into Spring and Summer in the future.
5 years later, Churchill deployed the same words again at the Conservative Central Council meeting in December 1945. Needless to say, by then, much had changed. The war was won. Labour was in power. Now, the country had to be brought together under a strong and unanimous government which would be able to empathise and respond effectively to the needs of the people.
What is more, all of the scenarios above required fortitude and fearlessness of mind to approach the present situation and deal with it in the best manner possible at that time. This reminds me of an easy statement which we would do well to ponder upon in the coming days, weeks and even months.
Simply enjoy the silence of the moment...
A phrase which you can take with you and keep safe in your back pocket for February and beyond!
Now for some more food for thought! I hope you enjoyed the variety of festive foodie creations during December and moving on into the new year...the remainders of our homemade Christmas cake has only just been devoured during the past week :)
During the past seven days, I have invested time into creating daily-themed foodie creations beginning with 'Marmite Monday', in the hope that you will access your own levels of creativity in your kitchens at home. As always, please do send in any suggestions for new content, themes or ideas which you would like to see on a daily or weekly basis.
I continue with my weekly show on Lymm Radio, every Wednesday evening 8-10pm and discuss a range of topics alongside a variety of quotes and songs for you to dance along to or just relax with. Tune into Evening vibes with Sitara to help you through the 'humpday' of the week...
I conclude this first blog of the year with some encouraging words, which I urge you to consider and share with those whom you love:
"You attract what you are, not what you want. If you want great, then be great"
I hope these words fill you with confidence and conviction moving into February and I hope that you are able to stay steady.
Lots of love always,
Sitara xxx
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