Hello

Welcome to a new year, and what feels like a new era. The simple turn of a single day doesn't change much and yet...doesn't it change everything?

I've always felt that the idea of "new year, new beginning" was a bit silly and overrated. After all, it was just the turn of another day and simply going to bed and waking up doesn't change all of the problems in the world or your life. But I'm now starting to think that that's a bit too cynical. It's true that all your problems won't go away, but there is something about having a concrete point you can look at as a fresh start. The idea of changing yourself or your situation- or whatever it might be- can become too overwhelming and dizzy. Where do you start? The first decision in a long list of decisions that are often too hard. So, when the new year comes around, there is relief, because that first decision suddenly becomes easy. A set date, surrounded by an atmosphere of both finality of the chapter you're leaving, and wonder in the chapter you're getting ready to write. The air brimming with acceptance because the thought of being able to accomplish anything takes over everyone's mind. Finally- a renewed sense of hope that had been lost in the exhaustion of the year you just fought through.

Yes- I was definitely being too cynical before. Because, you see, there are so few magical things left in the world. We shouldn't put down the ones we have left. We should kindle them, tend to them, and let them glow brighter- let them warm us up before continuing our journey. With that being said, don't let the cynical nature of the world take the magic of your new beginning away from you. Scoop your magic fire into a jar if you have to, and carry it with you. Though my thoughts on new years have changed, I am not so caught up in the moment to not think that any moment can be the moment where you choose change. So again, carry it with you because you might need a new beginning sooner than 2022, and I want you to be equipped for that.

Something else I have never liked much about new years is the idea of resolutions. Mainly because the ones I often heard seemed shallow. That's why, a number of years ago (I believe it was 2016? Maybe earlier...doesn't matter!) I decided that I would have a focus rather than a resolution. That year and multiple years after my focus was "More". I wanted more for myself- more spiritually, more financially, more kindness, more growth...I just wanted more. And every year I found I still wanted more, but slowly it changed- from wanting more to wanting to be more. This year I finally decided it was time to move on from more. Not that I think that it's a bad focus, but I wanted something better, and so that became my focus. "Better". I want better for myself- better health, better focus, better relationships, better mindset...a better me. I want better for you, too.

Whether you have resolutions or focuses or whatever, I hope you find strength in it. I hope that even if it doesn't lead you down the path you thought it would, that it leads you down a path that is better for you. I hope that even if you don't accomplish what you set out to do that you find you've still accomplished more than you would have. Then, isn't it still worth it? And even if you don't accomplish anything, I hope you can see that it isn't failure but a year for growth and learning rather than action. There are season's for everything, and each are important.

2020 did quite a number on the world. If I'm being completely honest, I think 2021 will do even more. But, in that, I can only hope that it makes us better, makes us kinder, more empathic and loving. I hope we cherish more and strive for better, for ourselves, our loved ones, and our world. No matter what 2021 throws at us, please don't settle for anything else than "better".

Finally, I just want to say hello. Hello to the new you, from the new me. We are ever changing beings and I am excited to meet the new me every time. Be excited to meet the new you too, because they worked hard to get here, and that is ultimately worth celebrating the most. So, hello.

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Thank you for joining me for our first post in 2021. I genuinely never thought this blog would last this long but I am so glad it did. Happy New Year my Messer's. I hope 2021 treats you well and I wish you nothing but the best. I love each and every one of you and I am so proud of you already. Start both this week and this year strong, fight a good fight, and walk your path with confidence. I hope you will join me this Wednesday for our first Nerdom of the year! In the meantime though, as always, stay safe, stay striving, and stay messy my friends.