One Wild and Precious Life: A New Year’s Reflection

Hi Peeps,

It’s been a minute. Well, actually, it hasn’t—I’ve been writing, just not posting. I’ve been learning so much every day and have so much to share. Hopefully, there will be time for it all.

To be honest, I’m struggling. This isn’t the uplifting post you might expect from me, and I’m sorry about that. But I hope it still shows resilience, because if I’m anything, I’m resilient.

I wrote something for my yoga class last week about the new year. Here’s a synopsis—it doesn’t encompass everything I wanted to say, but I rarely feel that I fully capture my thoughts. If I did, people might think I’m “crazy” or “not well” anyway. And maybe I am going through a period of depression. Winter is NOT my season, and I think I might have undiagnosed Seasonal Affective Disorder. But I’m doing my best to combat these feelings. More to come on this soon!

Normally, I love the new year. It’s a time for fresh starts, positivity, and optimism. This is everything I am and everything I love! But after the year I’ve had, I’m more cautious. I am working hard to be more grounded and not make any rash decisions or spontaneous moves. Despite what you might think (lol), a stroke and brain bleed weren’t on my vision board last year, and now I feel lost in so many aspects of my life. I’m still not feeling “well,” and that uncertaintly doesn’t help. Some of my relationships aren’t necessarily where I want them to be. On top of that, my dad’s dementia is progressing, and my mom is struggling (rightfully so). I feel nervous and anxious but am trying hard to remain fearless, even when the sadness feels overwhelming. Plus, everything going on in this world?! Wow. It’s just TOO MUCH! Amiright?

This year just feels different. Despite the challenges, I’ve been reflecting on the beauty of new beginnings. Yoga reminds us that every moment is an opportunity to begin again, and this past year has shown me the power of embracing that truth. In many ways, I’ve been given the gift of starting over, even if I’m sometimes impatient with my progress. A wise friend reminded me that everything happens in divine timing, and sometimes we need to practice letting go—a key yogic principle. Each day is an invitation to reset. What if we could take that renewal off the mat and into our lives, embracing each moment as a chance to start fresh?

Life’s messy, beautiful moments are part of the journey. As another friend said to me this week, “We’re all just here having a human experience.” Yoga teaches us to honor it all—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. This year has also reminded me how essential community is. This year I have felt more support than ever (Thank God!)

Recently, my occupational therapist suggested that instead of making a thousand resolutions, I focus on just one thing: ME! So, this year, I’m focusing on my mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, and financial health. And boy, do I have a lot of work to do! But at least it’s just one resolution, right?

I’m committed to showing up for myself—honoring my peace and protecting my energy. Sometimes that might mean saying no without a ten-minute explanation (IYKYK), spending a Sunday in yoga pants without doing yoga—just drinking wine and binge-watching something totally unproductive—and being okay with that. Oh, and of course, eating the donuts for no other reason than they are delicious. I plan to spend my energy where it feels right, doing what I love with those I love, and protecting my peace. Life, in all its complexity, has taught me this: challenges show us who we are and what we’re made of. Yoga reminds us that every breath is a new beginning, every moment a chance to start again. So, let’s take this new year one moment at a time—less fear, more presence.

I’ve also been reflecting on who I want to be this year. Some days, I feel lost, and I wonder if I will ever feel true happiness or contentment. I know that I have ADHD, and I’m a Sagittarius—always seeking something new. But I also want to be sensible and smart in my decisions moving forward. I want to embrace the uncertainty without being overwhelmed by it. And I want to trust that, even in my impatience and uncertainty, I’m becoming who I’m meant to be.

Life has a way of resolving itself as it’s meant to be, even when we’re not sure how. I invite you to think about what you want more of in your life this year. Maybe it’s a word of the year (wink, wink).

Here’s to new beginnings, to courage, and to honoring ourselves. To love in all its forms—love for ourselves, love for one another, and love for this painstakingly beautiful life. As we step into this year, let’s remember that yoga isn’t just something we do on the mat—it’s how we show up in the world. It’s how we respond to challenges, find peace amidst chaos, and take one moment at a time. Life is impermanent, and things change, sometimes unexpectedly. I am proof of that! Yoga teaches us to flow with that, to embrace the ebb and flow, and to find stillness in the midst of it all.

As Mary Oliver asked, “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Let’s embrace that question this year. Take each moment, one breath at a time, with intention. Let’s live as if we are truly living—something I’ve struggled with this year.

May we step into the new year with open hearts, remembering that we are always capable of starting fresh—together.