Goodbye 2024 & Hello 2025!

Goodbye 2024 & Hello 2025!

December 31, 2024

“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.”

~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~

As I sit here on a rainy December morning, the poetic patter of rain bouncing off the window is a soothing soundtrack of life reminding me nature is alive & well. Sitting in the warmth of my living room provides a cozy buffer to the outside elements and and a peaceful co-existence with the precipitation as it temporarily washes away the troubles of the world.

As another year comes to an end, I can honestly smile and count my blessings. Reflecting on the last 12 months of adventure, everything that transpired was a gift. There was work/play/cycling/hiking/traveling and plenty of skiing. The delicate balance of all is often a challenge, but par for the course. Life truly is a gift in the big picture and the older I get, the more I value this concept.

It reminds me of the mantra ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ and the philosophy of encapsulating life and seeking joy on a daily bases. It’s timeless wisdom and cherished around the globe. Even author Elizabeth Gilbert modified the expression to “Eat, Pray, Love” to encompass the search for happiness in her best selling book and later, movie. Whichever expression you prefer, they’re both symbolic of living a healthy life.

As we once again get ready to hit the reset button, I’m gently reminded of the precious element called time. It’s a non-renewable commodity with no refunds… effectively, a one way ticket with no return. Memories will always be memories and as much as we try to go back in time or relive days-of-old, it’s never the same. Similar to snowflakes whereby every one is unique to itself, time is unrepeatable and every moment should be cherished. So, as we collectively sigh, let’s get ready for a new & adventurous 365 days.

Before doing so though, let’s hit the pause button and take a moment to reflect on the past year. Celebrate your accomplishments as you see fit. No feat is too big or too small… acknowledge the lessons learned and accept them. A moment of reflection & recognition not only provides a sense of closure but also sets a positive tone for the year ahead.

When it comes to resolutions… think big picture. Goals such as exercise more or lose weight are minor bogeys on the radar. Step back and view the goal from a higher perspective… for example, ‘embrace a healthier lifestyle’ is more meaningful and sustainable. Let’s be honest… similar to a flight from NYC to LA, there’s going to be turbulence at some point. It's not about perfection—it's staying on course and making progress. Do things with intention and inspire yourself to grow.

Finally, give yourself the gift of presence. Live in the moment. Forget what has to be done tomorrow or next week. The present moment is where life truly happens. So as the new year unfolds, keep your resolutions as stars in the night sky, not rigid rules, and remember to savor each day as it comes.

Here's to a year filled with love, laughter and good health.