What is coming for us in 2025? 

Strange that we ask in a fearful manner.  Not what is coming to us, but what is coming for us.  We have lived long enough to know the vast hills and valleys of life.. that as much as we wish it to be, it is not all sunshine and roses. That storms can be harsh.  That loss cuts deep.  That continuing on takes effort and requires us to dig deep within ourselves.  This makes us cautious. This makes us scared.

Many who have experienced great loss say that in the aftermath of their loss, they appreciate life more.  The constant awareness of the fleeting quality of life, knowing that it will end, makes it sweeter.  I must admit, in some ways I have found this to be true.  Though to learn this lesson in this most terrible way seems unfair. 

As we settle into the new year, this anxiety about what is coming for us fades. The kids are back at school, having passed the fearful ‘first day’ jitters. The traffic is back and we can get into our usual routines (and usual complaints) once more. This gives us a sense of safety. The familiar and predictable patterns allowing us to be lulled into the sense that we have some control over our lives. This sense of safety barely lands when we realise that there are only 12 days left in January and we had a long list of things to do in the first month of the new year, initiating an entirely new cascade of anxiety about time passing swiftly by and us not accomplishing anything!

And so here we go.. on another roller-coaster around the sun. Appreciative of all we have, cognisant of all we’ve lost and humbled by the gift of another year. Let’s make it count.