New Year

In January 2025, Mars will move from Cancer into Gemini. Additionally, the sum of the digits in 2025 = 9, which is the number of perfection. At the same time, the minimum wage will rise to €12.82 - exactly to the cent. Do you know what this means in combination?!?!

No?!

Me neither. I believe it means nothing, but also that someone could come up with a hair-raising story about how all of this could be connected, making it sound completely sensible. I don't believe that everything has a reason or a purpose, that every pain from 2024 was necessary, that I must turn every hurtful word into a positive message, or that I should learn something from every burdensome situation. I also can't find anything good about the fact that my foot has been hurting so much since day 2 in Sydney that I can't walk without pain and that I’m constantly battling a cold with a sore throat due to the air conditioning. At the same time, I know there is ibuprofen, saltwater, and the fact that it doesn’t do me any good to let these things ruin my mood. I know that in 2024 I had to say goodbye to people and friendships, while at the same time, many wonderful new people entered my life. I know that I cried a lot out of sadness, shame, and fear, and at the same time, I was completely speechless with joy and the beauty of the world in many places, followed by a few tears of happiness. I miss a lot that is no longer there. I am happy about many things that have come into my life. It doesn’t make it all good, but easier, even if differently.

A year ago, I was sitting on New Year's Eve in front of the TV, watching the fireworks in Sydney and said 'I think I'll be there next year.' I am. Really? Yesterday someone told me: 'You are quite a positive person.' I am. Really? This year, I asked people in my life what three words they would use to describe me, and one of the words that came up was 'brave'. I am. Really? If someone had told me all of this about 2 years ago, I would have laughed at them. And now I laugh because everything is new, beautiful, and most importantly, true.

Maybe that's the secret to contentment: Not having to like everything that happens. But being ready to let in new and different things in life, to see them. Especially when it feels impossible and as if everything is getting worse. That sounds easier than it is, but it can work - even if not always immediately.

I wrote a list on which I collect things I have done, heard, or tried for the first time this year. And so I ask at the close of the old year and with the start of the new: When was the last time you did something for the first time - and what will the next thing be?

I wish you all a wonderful new year. Thank you for accompanying me here from afar. ❤️