Melinda sat near the edge of pier 20-08 anxiously awaiting the arrival of her boat.
Around her were gathered a collection of bags. The first suitcase contained four years of painful memories from her relationship with her now ex-partner Peter. The second suitcase contained the bitter arguments she had last month with her sister regarding the best way to care for their elderly parents. There was also a backpack filled with feelings of betrayal which she’d received from her workmate Sarah during the last round of promotions at work.
In the distance Melinda heard the sound of a foghorn. She looked up to see the bow of a beautiful old schooner slicing gracefully through the morning mist. From the mast of the boat fluttered a flag bearing the insignia ‘2009′. The ship approached quickly and before long was docked alongside the pier. A ramp was lowered to allow access to the deck and Melinda was surprised to find that she was the only passenger boarding.
With a heavy sigh, she picked up her bags and struggled towards the concourse. At the top of the ramp stood a white haired old man wearing a captain’s hat. He watched as Melinda struggled up the gangway but did not offer to help which Melinda found a little odd. As she approached the ship’s deck, the weather-worn lines of the captain’s face dissolved into a broad smile and he asked, "Do you really want to bring all that aboard with you ma’am?"
Melinda stopped in her tracks. She looked down at the bags she was carrying and realised that there was really no good reason for her to carry the negative thoughts and feelings from last year onto the boat.
She looked up at the ship’s captain who nodded his head slightly.
Melinda turned back to face pier 20-08 and in a moment of clarity, made an instant decision.
She let go of the two suitcases and kicked them down the concourse. The suitcases rolled down the ramp and clattered noisily back onto the pier. Next Melinda removed her backpack and flung it as high as she could. The bag arched upward, reached the top of its trajectory and then came crashing back down onto the pier.
With her bag and suitcases gone, Melinda suddenly felt light and free. She hadn’t realised how big a burden her pent up negativity had been. Melinda turned back to the ship’s captain who gave her a wink and said, "Welcome aboard ma’am and Happy New Year".
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The New Year is a wonderful time for letting go of negative thoughts and feelings associated with past events. As 2009 begins I’d like to encourage you to check the mental and emotional bags that you are carrying into the New Year.
Are there any negative thoughts or feelings that you should kick down the concourse and leave on the pier of 2008?
If like Melinda you are able to let go of these emotional burdens, you will find that the New Year brings you a real chance to make a fresh start and a new beginning.
Until next time,
Dare To Dream!
Anthony
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