Working On A Quirky Graph

We are creeping to the end of the year. Like a predator we are trying to shake, I’m starting to monitor my steps, calculate the distance to the end, looking at various pathways which will insure safe passage, or at least respite from the onslaught of images, negativity and false bravado.

I can almost hear its heavy breaths in my ear, the stank smell emanating from the very core of the gluttonous debauchery it gorged on for the last several months whisps by me at odd moments stealing my concentration, distracted by the various scents I cannot put my finger on.

In several cultures, the exiting year is shown as a frail old man, but with the medical accomplishments all I can picture is a fat old fiend, feasting on the misery and memories, inhaling the madness and machismo as one would hover over a potent hookah, settled back and letting the events, the life and death, the war and posturing, the greed and deprivation roll over their senses, trying to take in as much as possible before the carnival ride ends.

I’m trying to prepare myself for whatever may be coming in the next year. Not quite hiding, but working to keep myself as safe as possible, Eyes open, but head down. Steps moving forward but measured. Making sure I am holding myself accountable to myself, keeping my goals, minding my business and playing the long game. Long term sustainability, keep the things simple and be prepared to sweat a little to get more out of the goals.

I am starting to step lighter at work as well. While there are still hard boundaries on what I will and won’t do, I am cognizant that we are all creeping toward the finish line, thankful we have a roof and a dry place to sleep. Not all are in the same boat, and it wears on the soul to be both grateful and cautious day in and day out.

Trying to flip the hourglass to a new year, there isn’t a raucous sprint to the end. I will still be working to move silently into the next calendar.