January 1st, 2023
2022 was a great year, was in a fortunate position to take some amazing trips and make lifelong memories along those journies. I saw parts of this beautiful country and world that I had not seen before and as a result of that, I was able to see each of those spots from a different perspective. From the misty mountains of West Virginia to the sandy beaches of Florida to the bluegrass hills of Kentucky. With each of those trips as well as while I am stationary here at home, there is always a chance to take a step back to observe your surroundings for there is always something to learn, whether it is good or bad, knowledge is welcome no matter the source. I learned that at the end of the day, we are all human, going down this rocky path of life and each of us has something to offer to the world. But where there is light there are also shadows, we are all fighting a battle with ourselves and if you do not think you are, take a step back and really look. The cover of the book looks awesome but the inside of it might be behind a bit and that is why it is extremely important to be kind to everyone you come across for which you do not understand the battle that any of us could be fighting nor do people fathom the impact that their words can have on someone, whether its with benevolence or malice intent words have consequences. “ He utters too many futile words who is never silent; a garrulous tongue, if it be not checked, sings often to its own harm”- Havamal Stanza 29.
I am often reminded during these winter months that all things nature’s given, she’ll take all things back from the living. Take the time to enjoy the people, pets, and environment that you have around you because they could be gone at any moment. Even though we have all lost loved ones and they are not physically among us, honor them, remember them, and most of all continue to love them. To those who are grieving a loss, remember this, to grieve deeply is to have loved fully.
Lastly, the most paramount thing that I have learned in 2022 is the importance of self-discipline and the embracement of fear. I, like all of us, are fearful of some aspects of life. For myself, it's the steps that I am going to have to take in order to achieve my life's goals with the foundation that has been put in place for me. One of my favorite quotes is, “A man that flies from his fear may find that he has only taken a shortcut to meet it.”- J.R.R. Tolkien. This is why when it's too scary to jump in, you jump in head first. I have gotten too comfortable and that is why embracing the fear and obtaining more self-discipline are my main goals for 2023. This world often takes more strength than it gives, which is why these two things are important now more than ever.
With all that said, here's to another year!
Remember, be the change you want to see and the warriors that you need to be.
Peyton.
