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Rather than addressing a question and focusing on the tough stuff of life as Tell Giselle so often does, I would like to begin the New Year with a few words about the value of effervescence. A bittersweet tale a friend told me underscores my suggestion to prioritize looking for the daily, or weekly, opportunities to celebrate love and joy.
One of her former lovers, perhaps who would have been considered contender for “the love of her life” had they both played their love cards more skillfully and/or tenderly, said to her after they had broken up, something to the effect of, “We should have drunk more champagne.”
Now for those who don’t drink, and for those who should not drink because of their propensity to overconsume or whether from health considerations, that statement may not carry as much import as it does to romantics like me.
But for those lovers who do imbibe champagne as she and I do, the idea here is simple: Do not overlook any chance to celebrate yourself and others. Feel gratitude and express that emotion, and cherish the abundance one has, regardless of it being material gifts or the partnership and excitement of a passionate romance.
Most of us have piles high of things that fill up our life, making it grand and awesome as well as challenging. This practice for the New Year means that you can choose to celebrate that you are still employed in turbulent times, and perhaps even at a job you respect and are good at doing. Or just celebrate retirement. If that is your reality, elevate the remaining golden years and make room for more lightness, more laughter and bubbles.
Take a few moments as you read this to consider each of the successes of the past year. Then unplug. Restart with a reboot of attitude, putting your intention on maintaining or exceeding any of the milestones.
One’s hopes and aspirations are turbo charged whenever we face them with our honest evaluations and our appreciation, in equal measure. So do not cheat yourself out of the acknowledgment that you and your loved ones made it through a lot of ups and downs this past year, and you are well enough to keep going for more.
The enthusiasm for life that comes bursting forth when the calendar begins anew is what I see reflected in pent up fizz, ready to gush beyond the bottle’s neck. To be clear about this. I am not saying we need champagne to celebrate one day to the next, any more than we need it New Year’s Eve. But I am saying the explosive spirit that is champagne can maximize joy.
But it requires that we give ourselves permission, the dispensation if you will, to keep life in a healthy perspective, so we can release the festive nature of ourselves. The miracle of breathing is enough for beholding more great things, whether they be small great things or gigantic small things.
This last column of 2023 is my reminder to set aside the pressures and problems and prioritize more time for celebrations, whenever you decide to make them happen. Do it with abandon and some spritz. The lesson of “more champagne” that my girlfriend taught me through her heartache means I plan on making 2024 chock a block full of memories that are sublime beyond words.
I toast to your best year and best self. Email Giselle with your question at GiselleMassi@gmail.com or send mail: Giselle Massi, P.O. Box 991, Evergreen, CO 80437. For more info and to read previous columns, go to www.gisellemassi.com
Email Giselle with your question at GiselleMassi@gmail.com or send mail: Giselle Massi, P.O. Box 991, Evergreen, CO 80437. For more info and to read previous columns, go to www.gisellemassi.com.