There have been times throughout the history of the human race that have, as Thomas Paine said in December of 1776, tried men’s souls. Nearly 250 years later I would amend that quote to include people of all genders with the reminder that it is not only men, and not only adults, who carry the burden of current events. With the advent of technical and social media invading every space we inhabit; the world has come much closer to us than ever before making us more involved and aware of the events and tragedies that happen around the globe.
Our children have become activists. Our homes have become places of work. Our personal information and daily thoughts have become instantly accessible. Yes, those changes in our society bring convenience but they also come with a very high price tag.
There is no question we are living through one of those times that try our souls. We are being asked to adjust to so many conditions that do not nurture the human spirit that it is easy to feel overwhelmed and undervalued.
So, to greet the new year I send to all of you this acknowledgement of your right to honor your own experience of life and these hopes for your journey into the next chapter of your story: