The last month of the year has many of us reflect on the year gone by. We push away from all the noise and distractions, even as we look forward to new beginnings with the advent of a New Year. Some hope, some fulfilment and some resolutions that will be met as now there’s the renewed desire to just do so.

As years pass, seasons change and so do we. Often, what the next twelve months may usher in, is so surprising, so unexpected that it belies all our expectations for the New Year. A single moment in time can be life-changing. Then again, there are seasons that last for months, nothing different just the steady pace of life chugging along at a slow and bored pace, leaving you wondering if there is something more to it than just that. But no matter what life has in store for us, December is the month of reflection. There’s always the joy of Christmas and a New Year’s Eve celebration, but behind the exuberance is the absolute truth that nothing begins and nothing ends in life, that is not painted with blood, sweat and tears, smiles, laughter and love.

It is a choice we make every year to own every second that this world and life gives us or to concede to our fates with no fuss, no frills and no fears. It’s up to us to live and see and feel, with even every broken bone in our body, to then say that you have truly. Life throws your way mayhem and scandal, drama and doom as also promise and joy, wonder and miracles. The irony of life often is, that it reflects the images through the mirror you hold up. The reflection may be distorted; cruel and unkind or it may show you pictures of serenity and joy. The mirror you hold reflects life as you see it or want it. Again, the choice yours.

December creates a sort of moodiness that is difficult to shrug off. We’ve heard it a million times before, “Out with the old, in with the new.” But the crazy appeal of old habits, tastes and addictions are that they hold an attraction of a comforting, warm fuzziness that is much too difficult to give up. The new, always exciting, holds the promise of adventure, the appeal of freshness. But while you may find all that you’re looking for, it’s possible to find all that you may have not been looking for, too.

This year be a little kinder to yourself, work hard, play often, give yourself options, eat that cake, drink that wine, remember the happiest people are ones that often dine. Dream big and don’t worry if things don’t work out. Life is but a huge muddled basket of opportunities and chances. You’ll always get a chance to pick and select yours when the time is right. The landscape of December stretches ahead like a blanket of snow covering all those hidden wounds and bloodstain gashes, those nasty secrets and half-healed scars buried in the months that made the year whatever it was, for you and me.

But the thought of January always hinges upon renewed hopes, renewed dreams, floating on all the lightness of the luggage you bear and carry, in that first month. As the months and days amble on, the year undoubtedly will have its fair pick and share of surprises and revelations, just like all the years you have lived and walked on this earth.

The scenery changes but all that is bright and beautiful, all that is shiny in the heavens and above, remains much the same. The sun will set and rise each day to its own tune. The tides will roll on. All that is human and strong will find a place in your heart, all that is weak and vulnerable will tear down your defences and walls. January will turn to February, marching ahead to May and June. Flowers will fade and bloom, fruits will ripen and wilt on branches, colours will paint the world. While all we do is gather the harvest of our deeds and destiny, based on all that we know and all that we do not. Oftentimes, we judge what we see, and choose to be blind to what we cannot. We pretend to know more than we know, and yet often choose to ignore the little we do know.

Let December rest peacefully in a cradle of memories and moments remembered and shared. But let January pick you up and guide your steps to a happier, peaceful and more abundant year, with the blessings and love of all that you have shared – your tears and smiles, your pains and joys, your excitements and disillusionments… having grown wiser and more content through it all, as you glide gracefully into 2025! Happy New Year!