Today is the first day of a new year.
We made it through 2024. Now, 2025 is here.
I know it’s just another day on the calendar. And I know calendars, days, months, and years are entirely arbitrary in the grand scheme of things. That doesn’t mean we should make light of having endured another year on this planet. It’s still an accomplishment and one that’s worth acknowledging before we move forward.
I know a lot happened in 2024, especially if you follow global news in any capacity. But I don’t want to dwell too much on that. If there’s one lesson we should all take away from last year it’s that following the news too closely is not good for your mental health. Regardless of your political leanings, following every breaking story that enters your feed is going to overwhelm you. And being constantly overwhelmed makes every other aspect of your life more difficult.
I understand that there are things that happen in the news that ultimately affect us. But I also think it’s worth maintaining a balanced perspective. There’s a time to think about the bigger picture and act. And there’s a time to focus inward and deal solely with what’s around us. In 2025, I think we could all benefit from thinking locally and acting accordingly.
Things are going to happen that we cannot control. There will be opportunities to make your influence felt on a larger scale, but most people live their lives day-by-day, simply trying to survive and pay their bills on time. Some days are harder than others. Sometimes, we need more help and support than we care to admit. But you take the bad with the good and vice versa. And you appreciate those special moments that come along the way.
Last year certainly had plenty of personal moments, good and bad. I had to deal with the death of a close relative. This year, 2025, will actually mark the first year in which I have no living grandparents. That is still something I’m getting used to. And while my personal life remains stagnant, things with my family remain strong. I managed to share some wonderful moments with them. Last year might have been the most eventful year on that front since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, I hope to build on that in 2025. I don’t know what that entails. I also have high hopes that other opportunities that I started pursuing in 2024 will bear fruit in 2025. I know I have a long road ahead of me. I’m going into 2025 with a lot more unknowns than any previous year in recent memory.
But I am ready for them. I am ready to embrace the challenges that this year will bring.
I hope everyone else reading this is just as ready. A new year is a new opportunity to change, grow, and develop. Embrace every one of them.
From me to you, Happy New Year!
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