Poisson d’Avril

It's a new start for me. It has to be. The caterpillar built it's cocoon and there's been a whole lot of change going on. Only, I'm still hiding in that protective shell. Still figuring things out. I find I don't do all the things I need to do, or even want to do. And then there's the part where I don't even know what to do.

As I write more, I'll reveal more, but I'll start by saying I had a BAD year last year and everything fell apart. But out of any ending is the chance for a fresh new start. I've been doing alright, I've been doing good actually, but I still feel like I'm in no man's land with most areas of my life. A little definition and motivation is what I need. So here I am...

A strange day to start this new chapter of mine - April Fool's Day. Or so you'd think. But actually, considering this is a new start for me, given the history of April Fool's it's quite apt.
There is no definitive historical origin, but the most popular revolves around the French calendar. In 1564 France reformed its calendar, changing the start of the year from the end of March to January 1st. People who failed to move with the times and continued to celebrate the New Year during the week between March 25th and April 1st, had jokes played on them. They would have paper fish stuck to their backs. The victims of this prank were called Poisson d’Avril, or April Fish (which still remains the French term for April Fools) and so the tradition was born.
I guess I'd be a Poisson d’Avril as I believe there's no better time for a new year than Spring.


I'll leave you today with Sarah Ban Breathnach's take on April from her book 'Simple Abundance'

"April, the Angel of the Months- Vita Sackville-West

Perhaps it's because April is so full of dazzling sunlight. Perhaps it's because the earth seems greener. Perhaps it's because resurrection is this month's signature. Is this why our spirits start to soar? Now the season of darkness diminishes as the season of Light increases in strength. In the garden, primroses, pansies, violets, tulips, and lilacs burst with color. Each flower, plant, and bough bears profound witness to the power of authenticity. This month, on the Simple Abundance path, we continue to grow gracefully, creatively, and joyously into our authentic selves, awakening to our own beauty."

My only task for today? To meditate on the idea of new beginnings, resurrection, hopes, dreams and that it's never, never too late.

Happy New Year people!!