Ah, the pressure of a new year…the overt or subtle messages from friends, family, the media to change your ways, make a fresh start, replace old habits with new ones. Do I or don’t I make that list? Some days the desire to simply ‘be’ overshadows everything else and raises questions. Why must I push myself forward? What do I hope to accomplish in this moment? Do I need to always be chasing after something more?

During December, I spent much of my online time reading and pondering Rumi quotes. For those of you unfamiliar with him, Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi was a Persian poet and Sufi master born in 1207. His writings and poems have inspired generations to look at life with fresh eyes. In rumi-nating (yes, I did intend to use that!), I found many reasons to bring a fresh perspective to the new year.  I also found that a way unfolds for me to make changes in my life without the listing of resolutions, which often are doomed to expire long before I can attain them. It is possible to live in the now, especially the chaotic and challenging now in which we find ourselves, and create that stillness required to bloom and grow. So, I charge myself to trust my instincts, to find a center from which to proceed, to chart a path for my unique personal journey. This way, I create goals that bring joy rather than frustration.

How will find your path in 2022?

This is my New Year’s wish for each of you. “Your heart knows the way. Run in that direction.”