So here we are at the end of another year. Do you find yourself fighting back the urge to “get your life together” in 2025? Are you ready to begin that “new year, new you” plan? (I gag as I write this).
We follow the same pattern each December and early January, which is fueled by judgement and regret. Why are we ready to throw out each year with the thought of the new one coming? We nod to each other in agreement over “good riddance (insert current year)”. However, is it possible that every year is total garbage? Can we be excited for what the new year brings and be grateful for what the past year has given us?
Just like each day is a new chance for good, so is each minute in every day. One struggle or bump in the road, does not mean the entire road needs to be replaced. Maybe it has been smooth sailing, but a squall comes in out of nowhere to cause some ruckus. (You get the picture).
This year brought massive changes in my life. I left a stable job to become self-employed for the first time in my life. I finished my first novel and dove into the uncharted waters of self-publishing. I lost friendships that no longer served me and leaned into saying no to things that were not helpful to me (still working on that one).
I’ve had a year full of growth and that did not come without struggle and pain. Would I have forgone the growth to avoid the pain? I hope not, but that’s the point isn’t it? We do not know what waits for us around the corner. We do not know the pain that achievement requires until we are in it. I am thankful for that, because I do enjoy being comfortable. I enjoy predictability and structure which actually leads me to stagnation.
I read something the other day that suggested when we get comfortable, we slowly begin to die. I completely agree! The same piece suggested that we are all at our best when we create. Creating does not have to be a painting, writing music or crafting a sculpture. Creating is connection with others, and finding ways to make an impact. This resonates with me so deeply.
I love to create Killin It Life posts. I guarantee that writing these posts benefit me more than they could anyone else. The thought of making even the smallest positive impact on someone else gives me peace and purpose in my day. When I think about the impact my favorite writers have on me, knowing that not a single one of them know me or their impact on me makes me smile. Knowing that there are people out there who have no idea I exist, yet their creations have made my life better and even more so have encouraged me to create. My creations do not begin when I am comfortable. It is when I am in my comfort zone, that I am also comfortable with consuming rather than creating. It’s the struggle and the pain that prompt my creating.
Creating can simply be taking the opportunity to have a positive impact on someone. Maybe sharing my experience gives someone else the knowledge of how to ask for help or a road map of what not to do. Maybe when I struggle and I am brave enough to be vulnerable I give someone else the moment to show me a kindness and find a way to relate. We were not promised a life without struggle and strife, and when we find ourselves uncomfortable maybe that’s nudge we need for growth.
I challenge each of you to a look at your year in review. Look for moments of peace and purpose. Examine the times you were uncomfortable and look for what came after. Did the pain serve a purpose? Did you grow from it?
*I will set this as a side note: I do not believe everything happens for a reason, because sometimes life happens and it kicks us in the teeth for no apparent reason. Sometimes pain is just that, pain. And it sucks and it’s not fair. There isn’t always an explanation or a silver lining. You get to determine that for yourself.
I do welcome 2025. There are a lot of things I look forward to this year: my birthday, spring, vacation, time on the lake, floating in the pool and the moments of growth (even with the pain that comes with them).
I do not want to toss 2024 in the dumpster and light the match. I want to thank 2024 for the lessons, because without the discomfort, I would not have successes and without the failures I would not have the wins. I can find gratitude at any turn, if I am open to it. The benefit of gratitude only came with intentional practice and effort to find a successful day and even a successful year: one that includes peace and purpose.
Thank you, 2024 and bring it on, 2025!
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