Aren’t we all so very glad that the past year is over? I woke up this morning, thinking: finally.

We begin again, clear our lenses, a clean slate (of sorts).

“We might have to fight the monsters more than once.”

I’ve pinned that phrase to my twitter. It’s an appropriate theme for 2017; accepting that we must remain vigilant in the face of our inevitable and sometimes recurring hardships. That our ability to get back up after we fall will always be stronger than that which made us fall in the first place-to ensure that the fear of falling will not stop us from making the necessary leaps that foster growth.

I have to admit, my lens is not completely clear. Trust that I have so much more work to do in that regard, still, I’m cautiously optimistic about the new year.

Self-care remains a priority, an important part of which is the act of letting things go…actual, physical things and the less tangible things or ideas that can weigh us down; disappointments, fails and dead ends.

Empathy and light is another focus. There is no doubt we all need more of that in our lives, probably now more than ever.

Ideation, creativity and community is something I always want more of…or struggle with, since my introverted nature makes connecting with others, in a meaningful way, quite a wobbly endeavor.

I will strive for these things. I will read more, write more, share more of myself and my work. I will learn or unlearn that which is necessary to help myself and others live a more authentic life, be more comfortable in our own skin-because the feeling of being safe and accepted is one of the most important things we can give one another.

Please know however imperfect or broken you might feel, that I am in that boat with you-paddling for dear life (or sanity) with you.

This is what the world needs right now, and what our hearts must demand. Empathy, grace, strength, love and light, this is my wish for us in this new year. ♡
top image viaNathan Dumlao