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:
Tara's Thoughts 
Thank you Tara for these words of hope and wisdom! With hope for a better, kinder world, may your words reach all who need them. If we all do our share, this world will be changed for the better.
Happy New Year
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Thank you, Linda. I appreciate your stopping by and I applaud your vision for the world. Our best strategy, available to everyone, may be random acts of kindness. The giver benefits as much as the recipient!
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Agreed, Tara: This is one of those moments. I would even suggest there was an uncommon tone of sobriety to the holiday season in 2023, as if the whole world accepts the New Year will inevitably bring multiple unprecedented existential challenges. The best thing we can do over the next twelve months is practice kindness and patience — with others and ourselves. Happy New Year, my friend.
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I see it, too, Sean, in the faces around me and those that I’ve spoken to about the near future. As you put it so exactly, “… uncommon tone of sobriety”. I appreciate your words and echo your sentiments. Happy New Year, my dear friend!!
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A beautiful message of hope and wisdom! Happy New Year. ❣️
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Hope is the beacon that guides us through the darkest nights, reminding us that dawn will eventually break and illuminate our path.
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Thank you, Ricardo, for stopping by and sharing your beautiful words.
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Thank you, Ricardo, for the encouraging words and for stopping by.
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