12/31/2020
It feels strange saying happy new year this year. Almost like a jinx or a stark realization that new years eves of past were full of hope and a deep faith of change and renewal. This year feels hesitant and tentative. As many of us struggle to hold on to threads of basic necessities. The world feels cold and distant... Devisive and angry. In all of this though, we have learned to reach out to others! To stand up for ourselves as a people. To hold our loved ones tighter and to let go of those that destroy our peace. I have learned many intense lessons this year(many I thought I had already dealt with) I have been angry and sad. Today though, I remembered all the love I recieve from all over the world. I am grateful for the amazing people in my life. I am even grateful for the horrible people for they have reminded me that there cannot be light without dark. I was reminded this year that evil does exist and that I allowed it into my space. With hugs and support. I learned to never allow that again. I learned how quickly people will believe a lie even a bad one from people with no merit. I learned how many people I have that will sit with me while I lick my wounds and tend to the wounds inflicted on others. Our plans of new adventures were decimated yet Amanda and I held tightly to each other. Our love growing so much stronger despite all the attacks. We have become impenetrable. I forgive all of those attackers and I choose to hand their poisons back to them. 2021 may not feel like it deserves a celebration but I have chosen to celebrate what I have learned and to embrace the lessons not quite resolved. I move into this next year knowing myself so much better and ready to share again with my family and students. Within the darkness there is a crack and that is how the light gets in. So, to you and yours, I wish you a year of lessons far more gentle and a realization that you are loved even if you are alone. I wish you a year that reminds you of how strong you are and the determination to release anything and anyone who steals your peace. Stay safe and healthy and enjoy the little things. Celebrate the engagements and births and all the events that deserve to be celebrated. This year, that we now all tiptoe into cautiously, may be full of perilous and treacherous things but like any other year will be full of amazing and magical moments too. Don't let them be wasted. Be kind to yourself as you navigate. To you all I raise a glass to say thank you for being a part of my journey and for being you.
All my love always
