Here we are again: a new year upon us and an uncertain world to navigate.
Not much has changed over the course of history, yet everything has changed. Therein lies the paradox of life. Nothing changes. Everything changes. Repeat.
So as we enter 2025, I have stopped setting high expectations for myself, or anyone else, and have settled into embracing some universal truths, like how potato chips are bad for me, but are also really good for me (for the safety of those I love).
As an ardent observer and student of life, these are things I’m wishing for you (and me) as we move forward this year.
I sincerely hope you take care of your mind, so your body can follow your lead. We know better now. Value your mental health.
When people show you who they really are, believe them, the first time. Never question it. Trust your instincts. Good characters. Bad characters. Act accordingly.
Sometimes, you have to let go of the people, places or things that don’t serve to foster the best version of yourself any more. What was once good for you may not be good for you now. Evolve. That’s the whole point of living (at least, I think that’s the point – don’t quote me on that).
If you’ve had to walk away from something or someone, keep walking. Your destination is ahead. If you had to turn back, settle in and sort it out, your destination is ahead too. Keep going.
If letting go doesn’t feel right yet, for whatever reason, that’s okay. Move at your own pace. Find your footing. But please know that the minute you’re ready to rid yourself of the excess of things that do more harm than good, you’ll like yourself more.
It’s amazing what happens to you when you actually believe you deserve better. You do. Knowing it and believing it are two different things. I hope you achieve both this year.
If you’ve been hurt, I hope you heal. If you’ve hurt others, I still hope you heal. Forgiveness is perhaps the hardest of life’s lessons, but one of the most rewarding. Be prepared to relearn it often.
If you’re grieving, I wish you peace of heart through all the waves that flow over you without warning. I wish you the patience with yourself to feel whatever you need to whenever you need to. It’s a lonely journey, but you are not alone on it. Be gentle with yourself.
If you need help, I hope you ask for it. If you can offer help, I hope you give it, without agenda. If you’ve lost your faith, I hope you become someone who restores it in others.
If you’re fighting through darkness, know that your own light is your birthright. It’s there. It exists. Don’t let anyone shadow that universal truth.
I hope we all learn to be grounded in the certainty that the uncertainty of life is actually normal. Nothing changes. Everything changes. All the time.
I hope you’ll make space in your life for joy. Invite it in. Dance with it barefoot in the kitchen whenever you can.
Play good music. If this is the only thing you take away from this column, I’m happy with that.
Happy New Year.
