We’re not only standing upon the precipice of a new year, but a new decade…and the pulse that has been beating as 2020 approaches, has been heartening. It swells with an understanding that great things have been had and are yet to come…a palpable hope…that we’ve peeked the strength of one, the mighty of youth in age, heart and mind, and the wonder of the grand design…and we can all be a quintessential part of the thrive in the next 52 weeks and beyond.

I suppose it may be seen as more a daunting task, and that some may scoff at the idea…to be part of the thrive…that the sheer simplicity of it could be the challenge, and yet, that’s what makes it all the more necessary. A challenge, indeed, for you…for the we…to be a worthy component of the answer…of the whole.

So it seems, we start at kindness. We often forget that kindness is not only an outward act, but an inward one as well. One of the kindest acts we can commit to is silence…and that seed of silence, if willing, can grow into empathy, which in turn, will encompass our every thought and action for others and for ourselves.

Kindness comprises acceptance and ownership. One of the greatest feats will always be accepting ourselves, imperfections and all, and owning who we are…which sometimes requires us to take stock of inauthenticity or intolerance, and seeking out the source of why such inequities of soul consume us, and then make the necessary alterations in order to make peace with ourselves. Kindness requires learning how to alter our internal narratives and speak from our truths. And not unsurprisingly, it often starts in a moment of silence, and that silence translates into showing ourselves the greatest of kindnesses…self-care…self-love. Never neglect yourself. Self-care is not selfish, it is our first line of defense in eradicating what exhausts, weakens, and ills our physical, mental, and spiritual well-beings.

Kindness is apologizing. It’s owning when we’ve been cruel or wrong or insensitive, and that includes remembering to apologize to ourselves, as it seems, we are often harder on ourselves for an unseen pressure that won’t matter a lick when we finally fade away to the memories of love. It’s important to note that apologies don’t have to be accepted, nor will they always be received, and that is not only okay it is sometimes necessary, but when you mean the words, the intent is conveyed…it’s only up from there.

Allow 2020 to be a healing, to inspire you, to be the year you own your strange and give it voice, to be a quiet, to be a catalyst for shattering glass ceilings, to give you the strength to face fears head on, to wash you in pride for great and small accomplishments…whatever the new year means to you, may it bring you incredible happiness and the opportunities to give and receive a wealth of kindnesses that allow you to trust in your role within this grandest of shows.

E. A. O'Connell. December 31, 2019