Happy New Year, fellow DUers!
I imagine many of you are reading those words and scoffing, perhaps even rolling your eyes, given what's going on in the world at this moment and what's going to happen all too soon.
And to that I say that it's even more important that we remain mindful of the joys life brings us. In dark times, it's crucial that we acknowledge and appreciate those joys, however small or fleeting they might be. When the darkness begins to fall, we must remember those sparks of light and hold them close: the gathering of friends and family (blood or chosen), the savor of favored food and drink, the simple pleasures of watching the sun rise or set or walking in nature, the feeling of accomplishment from overcoming a challenge and pushing ourselves to improve.
No matter how thickly the darkness falls around us, those sparks of light are still there, all the brighter and more beautiful for the shadows against which they struggle. There is still joy and laughter and peace and hope, each taste an antidote against despair and grief. Hold those moments close and treasure them, but also share them with those around you. Sharing multiplies joy and divides grief.
Nothing lasts forever, not even the darkness, however deep it might seem. This too shall pass. The only way the darkness wins is if we give in to despair and forget how beautiful life is even when we struggle, and we will struggle. But we will also overcome.
May we be examples of hope, perseverance, and endurance of the spirit in the year to come. That's my wish for 2025, for myself and all of you.
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