PEBBLE
I have a simple prayer at the beginning of this year, and every year: may this year justify our hope.
-John Green, who wrote this comment while introducing a calm, understated, moving video he posted just before New Year’s Day 2023, We’re here because we’re here https://youtu.be/jSrqC_angdc
BOULDER
On the stroke of midnight tonight, you can resolve to be better, if you like…
to be fitter, to eat cleaner, to work harder.
On the stroke of midnight tonight, you can resolve to become a whole new you, if you so choose.
Or, you can take a moment to acknowledge, all you already are.
Because it’s a lot. You’re a lot.
And you deserve to be commended.
On the stroke of midnight tonight, perhaps you could congratulate yourself, for coping.
For breaking, again, and for rebuilding, again.
For catching the stones life has thrown at you,
and using them to build your castle that little bit stronger.
You have endured, my friend.
And I don’t see the need to resolve to become a whole new you,
when you are already so very much indeed.
Happy new year.
You made it.
Now let us face another 365 day-turn, arms wide,
accepting, embracing and ‘seeing’ each other,
for all we are…
-Donna Ashworth, shared by Darcy on Powder Mountain
PONDER
I’ll plan to ripple this issue out a few hours early just in case some folks would appreciate a small splash of upbeat energy in the last few hours of a tumultuous year.
Whether you’re reading this at the very end of the 2023 or at the very beginning of 2024, I hope you can pause long enough to acknowledge any good stuff that managed to unfold in the past 12 months, and also give yourself permission (encouragement even!) to unfurl your optimism so the new year can bring some more good stuff your way. It may be you’d benefit from a healthy dose of ongoing appreciation for all that has come your way up until now, or perhaps you could use a bounty of fresh opportunities for growth and devleopment. Find the right mix, and make this year yours.
Peace,
Paul
