Another Year Gone, Another to Face With Hope

Wasn't awake to ring in the new year.  Those times are past us.  I was grateful to be able to sleep through the noise outside, though our neighborhood is generally fairly quiet and calm, especially when certain neighbors are out of town.  

Happy Jan. 1,  7:30 a.m.

We were, however, awake early.  Drove over to the Jordan River Trail for a morning walk.  We thought we'd have the trail (we walk north, across the bridge then south on the west side of the river) to ourselves.  Nope.  Several other early-morning individuals were out.  It was peaceful.  We even saw a couple (or three?)  otters or beavers or whatever they were swimming in the cold river.  There is still something about being outside to watch a fresh day arrive that feeds my soul like nothing else can.

That particular trail can be rife with mosquitoes in the summer.  And very cold when it's higher humidity out.  This morning it was a stiff wind.  I thought aloud that I'd rather have the wind than the stagnant air that has historically plagued our area in January.  I'm still warming up after being out in the cold and wind, even after a warm shower.  So grateful for our comfy home.

Read several articles this week that have stuck in my mind. Meg Walter is often very thought provoking.  Tough Year  We know death is inevitable.  Doesn't make it any easier for those of us affected - and everyone will be at some point.

And I thoroughly loved this one from this morning.  Do This Instead Of Resolutions  I totally agree (and have already incorporated several of these ideas over the last couple decades). The thing that really spoke to me from this article was to have a word for the year.  I think I might try that one.  And I already know the word I'll use.  

I've wondered several times over the last few days what 2025 will bring for us.  2024 was a bit unexpected, but then what year in life isn't?  We never know what's in store for us.  We only have to hope that we will find the joy in every day - I'm convinced there is at least a tiny bit of joy in each day.  We can hope to meet every challenge with grace and dignity.  We can hope for peace and contentment in our hearts, that we can then share with those we love.  We can hope for enough financial security to be independent. And we can hope to find the best in those people around us. 

After all that, one might think that hope would be my word for the year.  But no.  I think hope has actually been my underlying "face the world philosophy" for many years already.  I'm grateful today to be able to face the year with a certain amount (though small) of optimism.  I'm grateful for decent health, little chronic issues notwithstanding.  I'm grateful for my new shoes.  Too much money but absolutely worth the improvement in my foot pain and ability to walk and stand. I'm grateful that today there will be some sunshine - even if only a little.  And I'm grateful for those loved ones who enrich my life.