As the fireworks shoot into the sky, explode, crackle, another year ends.
Wait that was last year. No, this year. Okay, it was both, same spot.
My mind can’t stop but think about how much can happen in a year.
Travelling the past two years, being away from home I’ve realised those years count as three, not one.
Thousands of moments happened, hundreds of people met, heartbreak, love and growth all existed in the walls of this world.
Remembering as many moments as forgotten.
A past life feeling more distant than a few short years.
And when those fireworks explode in the sky, we all know the following year is the same until it isn’t. We all eagerly set new goals, and new intentions and shoot for the stars because that’s what we’ve always been taught.
Knowing it’s time to reframe all of what’s been taught.
This was the final New Years of my twenties, I worked, spent an hour with some friends and came home to write this.
Feeling like a firework being set off into the sky and falling short of the stars.
I remember the year, who made it wonderful, who challenged me to be better. Remembering the moments. Not the final day of it.
And the more I reflect, the more I notice the difference a year has made in my life. A little more peaceful, a little more honest, less apologetic. I found love in this big wide world. I made friends that I want to keep for a lifetime. I discovered parts of myself I am proud of and others I’ll work to be proud of.
I smile at those damn fireworks, not because they are beautiful and entertaining. But because they signify the ending of another beautiful year. And when I consider it a little longer they signify the end of a truly beautiful decade I’ve been privileged enough to have.
I look around at the faces of all the people looking at the fireworks smiles, awe, the joy and I wonder if they may be thinking the same things. Before turning around and heading back inside.
The New Year’s resolution?
Make every year better than the last, every decade a little grander. Make yourself a better human always.
You won’t always get it right, but the point is to try.
Happy New Year.
Thanks for being here.
