Thinking back over the past 12 months, it is easy to underestimate all that we have accomplished and been through. Please don't discount the hardships we faced and survived, nor the ways we have grown. We aren't the same people we were back in January of 2021. Measure the past year in goodness, grace and kindness rather than successes and failures, hurts and losses. Remember the compassionate ways we treated ourselves and others. Let go of old pain so there is room for peace, expansion and growth.
Chances are that we discovered something new about ourselves in 2021. There were days that required us to be our most patient, calm and steadfast selves. There were other days where life humbled us and we had to ask someone for forgiveness. And there were also days when we witnessed the best in people, including seeing the best in ourselves. All of that is worth celebrating as we look back on 2021.
Plans never go as expected. Adversities and challenges will always be a part of our lives. As we reflect, we need to acknowledge that we have another year under our belts where we navigated uncertainties, disappointments and interruptions. That shouldn't be overlooked. Being flexible and able to roll with the punches is hard, but it teaches us to enjoy what is right in front of us. The most powerful lessons are often those learned in the unscripted, unplanned moments. Whether we are taking serious stock of the past year or not, we should be proud. For most everyone, 2021 was full of upward, downward, forward and backward growth. But it was all important for the obstacles we faced taught us more about ourselves and gave us the fortitude to keep on keeping on. The new year will have its share of rough times, disruptions, disappointments and losses as well. We should use the knowledge we gained over the course of year to help us stay balanced and strong when life gets tangled and rocky in 2022.
One noteworthy milestone we all need to recognize is how we rose from the ashes of 2020. We navigated a new normal, whatever that was and found it definitely wasn't the promised land we had hoped for. Whether 2021 was a wrecking ball, a steam roller or a pot of gold for us, we made it through the year. If we failed at something, most likely we succeeded at something too. There is clarity and wisdom we gained that we didn't have this time last year.
It takes hard work to be human. None of us have it all figured out and no one has a fail proof plan to follow for 2022. Unfortunately (or fortunately) we learn more from our mistakes, failures, hardships, heart breaks and losses then we do from the easy things. The blessing is that we will continue to evolve and grow in unexpected ways in the upcoming year.
Never forget the persistence, resilience and tenacity that got us to where we are today. We can't ever give up on ourselves or our dreams and we can't ignore our inner voices. Make a resolution to be more present each day and to always delight in the daily gifts at hand. With a hopeful eye towards the future, find the balance not to rush through the gift of today.
Ring in the new year cherishing the fact that we know ourselves better than we did last January. Release the hurt and the pain and let the wounds begin to heal. There will always be something good to find in each day, no matter how trivial it is.
May we go forward in 2022, one step at a time, one day at a time. May we be open to new adventures, possibilities and fresh stARTs. May we always be reminded of the importance of showing up for ourselves as well being there for others. Be safe and stay healthy my friends!
❤️ Deane