New Years Resolutions

January is one of my favorite months. It represents many things to many people: it’s the first of the year, starting over, beginning anew. Everyone is hopeful that the New Year will bring prosperity, health, happiness; you name it. 

January for me is the same, and more. I also see it as a new beginning, and it’s also my birthday month so a bit of celebrating always ensues. This month, however, it’s a milestone birthday year for me. In addition, this year, actually next month, Elinor is celebrating a milestone birthday too; she will be 21. I remember turning 21 like it was yesterday. I remember 30 and 40 … the ones in between, not so much.  I never imagined myself being 50 back when I was 21, but I like this age. I feel like I’ve done a lot – but have so much more to do.

I came across an interesting quote by Carl Jung the other day which seemed to speak to the whole “resolution” idea that has been swirling around in my head:  

            Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you call it fate.

It is something to think about. I have always believed that you control your destiny. Nothing is predetermined – you have free will, and you choose your path. That is exactly what I did almost 5 years ago when I decided to become a full time chef.  

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Chef Maria Reina, formerly of Tarry Lodge and currently a personal chef, teaches cooking classes at Tarry Market in Port Chester. Her blog is dedicated to her step-daughter Elinor, "and all the great college students out there dwelling in an apartment for the very first time."