My “theme” for this year is from E.M. Forster’s Howard’s End:
“Only connect! That was the whole of her sermon. Only connect the prose and the passion, and both will be exalted, and human love will be seen at its height. Live in fragments no longer.”
In context, Forster was talking about connecting the “animal” and “intellectual” parts of our natures. But to me it also means connecting the different parts of myself into a better whole. Connecting to other humans and the earth, in the words of this Neil DeGrasse Tyson quote. Connecting in my relationship and making joint decisions. Connecting my dreams into workable plans using the insight from this post (a great read, if you’re a procrastinator–the author could be describing my brain). Living in fragments no longer.
As I said a couple times last year, this year is the year I want to get a tattoo. And I’ve had this quote picked for it in the back of my head for years. Here’s a design I’m 98% certain about, courtesy of a designer at work who does amazing hand lettering:
As soon as I’m sure the other 2%, I’m going in. Because it’s a good book and good advice and this will be a good year–and I want a reminder of all of it.
Love the phrase for all it says. Pithy and rich. Love the art, too. It will always be beautiful. Not that you were asking for approval. Just offering some solidarity with your choice!