Oh my gosh, it is almost 2018! I am actually looking forward to leaving 2017 behind and entering into 2018 with more hope and optimism. There was a dark cloud over 2017 (for me and many of my friends) with the first year of Donald Trump’s term and so many people buying into his empty promises bulleted with so much misogyny, scapegoating, fear, and derogatory rhetoric. We are a product of the people we surround ourselves with, and in direct opposition to being led by such a toxic example of humanity, I plan to use 2018 to continue surrounding myself with amazing, loving, authentic, inspiring individuals while speaking out about important issues. And… while not turning a blind eye to the toxicity that has crept in, I do plan to continue using my own voice towards positivity and mobilizing myself and those around me to continue advocating for positive change and a political (and personal) agenda that speaks to progress, justice, and equality.

My hope in 2018 is to inspire through positive acts of affirmation regarding myself and others’ intentions to create a better world for each of us, including our children. I intend to be courageous in my endeavors, both personally and for the greater good. I want to take more risks this year in my professional life as well as in my personal life. I won’t shy away from those things that scare me. I will gently lean into them, creating a much needed tension that props myself and others up and propels me (and them) forward. I will use a few methods to do this. I want to write more…putting myself out there: my thoughts, ideas, and challenges. I also want to be much more connected to both those I love and to strangers I meet, trying to leave more of a positive and intentional mark. This will hopefully manifest itself both in person and across social media platforms. Ultimately, I think most of us want the same things: love, acceptance, and belonging. I accept all of you in my life, and I will be cognizant of our differences but more so our similarities, knowing each of us has our own experience to draw from. And with that experience, we all have something to learn from each other. I am intrigued, interested, engaged, and invested in you. We need more of this to understand our humanity and why it is so important to make those connections beyond our inner circles or the echo chambers that we inherently create.

I am in love with harmonies. The pieces of music that speak the loudest to me are those that have layers of harmony that serve as a bit of tension but, ultimately, bring to life a piece of music that would fall flat without multiple voices. We need all those voices to hear the beauty in that song or that piece. I want to do my part in bringing out those harmonies in all that I encounter. It’s a dance, an intricate, nuanced balance of beliefs and choices and patience and understanding. So….with all that said, my personal mission this year is to help people, to connect, to listen, to provide security where I can, to free people from concern in their encounters with me, to focus on people and their struggles. I will move forward this year with renewed confidence and faith that by living my truth I will bring balance and true connection to all I encounter. Many won’t follow me; I understand this. When we live our truth and project our personal strength, we inevitably lose people who aren’t prepared to handle that power. But to those people I lose…I will be here when you are ready to re-engage with me. I love you and I value you…even if you need your space at this time.

I turn 40 this year….it’s a big a milestone. It definitely puts me in a place of self-reflection and, ultimately, a longing to make more of an impact as my daughter enters her adolescent and young adult years. With that self-reflection, I can’t help but take this time to thank so many incredible people in my life who have made me who I am…both those who hurt me and those who have loved and accepted me, warts and all. I am in awe of the unbelievably smart, creative, inspiring, courageous, loving people I have met along my journey. I am honored to call all of you my friends, and you all know who you are. What I value most about each of you is the time you’ve given me. You have shared so much of yourself with me and allowed yourself to be vulnerable with me. I am truly so thankful for that. I wish I had more time with each one of you…and to those of you who I have lost contact with or haven’t been able to spend time with, I promise you that I still think of you and am grateful for your place in my life still and always. Never assume my absence is intentional…it is most likely just situational. Our priorities change as do our needs. But I love you still, and I miss you.

I wish each and every person reading this a year of growth, love, and generosity. You matter and, if ever you feel you don’t, give me a call. I will do my best to convince you otherwise. Thank you for reading this far and much love and prosperity to you in the next year.

Happy New Year!!

Love,

Jen