This is the New Year

I haven't been a fan of pop music since I was a teenager, but every now and then a song catches my attention. Usually, if it does, it's because the sound is unique like Paralyzer by Finger Eleven a few years ago. Or, it could be something about the lyrics that has me singing in my head. I am a sucker for a positive message song. A Great Big World gave us one back in 2014, with This is the New Year, and coincidentally it popped up in the shuffle on my iPod today. I was driving down the road, jeep all open, and a chill in the air. The day before New Year's Eve, I found myself reflecting. I just know 2017 is going to be a great year. I can feel it.

Another year you made a promise

I did. I made a promise to make writing an everyday part of my life, and I did. I wrote on this blog nearly everyday, looking for love and finding it in many ways all around me.

Another chance to turn it all around

Every new year is a chance to turn things around. Sometimes it's a small thing, sometimes it's everything. For me it's something small, a personal change. It's not a resolution, just a more keen awareness about something.

And do not save this for tomorrow
Embrace the past and you can live for now

I have not yet mastered the control of staying in the present. I'm working on it. But I have certainly learned to let go of a lot, to learn from the past and leave it there. For this year, I need to work on trying harder not to live too much for the future. Have you ever heard someone say if you wait for the perfect time, it will never come. So part of this is seizing the day when appropriate.

Speak louder than the words before you

And give them meaning no one else has found

My writing circle, cheers to us. I am so proud of how much we've grown as writers, as friends, as a collective voice. I can feel our power. Our voices are getting stronger. Each year we have added another devotion. The group. The blog. The retreats. The Sanibel Island Writers Conference. Sounds like at least one of us will produce a big piece of writing this year. Maybe more than one of us!

The role we play is so important

We are the voices of the underground

This year, I made a huge realization about the work we do at PACE. Our organization is speaking loudly, and we are bringing the needs of women and girls to a bigger audience. There is so much more to be done, but it is important work. Right here, right now, I feel I am right where I should be.

Say everything you've always wanted
Be not afraid of who you really are

In the end we have each other
And that's at least one thing worth living for

I maybe the freest I have ever been to say what I need to say. My husband and my family have always afforded me a safe place to be who I need to be and speak freely from my heart. The amazing women of my writing group have created the safest circle of trust for writing and sharing. And I can even say, my boss and co-workers empower each other to be the most authentic and genuine best we can be. It's given me the confidence and security to make some important decisions this year.

Let's tear the walls down that divide us

Our country has a lot of work to do this year. We have to navigate some rough waters, but I believe we will find a way. We have to.

This is the new year
A new beginning

Here's to a healthy and happy and prosperous New Year. Here's to a more peaceful nation and global community. Here's to respect for our earth, and our people. Happy New Year.