Winter Solstice Reflection

We are tunneling ever closer to the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. It’s the time of year for firelight and starlight—cold winter nights spent by a warm hearth with family and friends (if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere).

As we descend further into the darkness, it’s a good time to reflect on where we’ve been, where we’re going, and what we want—and maybe who we want to travel with us as the days slowly begin to grow longer again.

So snuggle up under your blanket with a warm cup of tea or cocoa and maybe that special someone. Maybe get out your journal and a pen, too.

This winter solstice marks the end of a decade as we head swiftly into 2020 next month. What happened over the past decade? When you think back, are you surprised? Are you where you expected to be or has your life taken some twists and turns along the way?

As for me, a lot has happened since 2009. Ten years ago I was living in Philly, just getting started in my publishing career (which was unexpected, by the way). I was meeting a lot of great new people, many of whom are still my friends to this day.

Like all of you, in many ways I’m still that same person I was 10 years ago. But in many ways, I’m also not. I’ve grown. I’ve learned a lot. And, believe me, I’ve had ups and downs. But it has been transformative.

Over the past 10 years, I’ve changed jobs (and companies) a few times. I left Philly in 2016 to move back South to be closer to family. That move brought more transformation than I could have imagined. Not only has my career changed in some big ways (I’m now freelancing), but my personal life has changed tremendously as well: I’m now married!

Those who know me well will understand it when I say that no one is probably more surprised than me that I’m now a “Mrs.” But it’s probably the best thing that has ever happened to me. It’s a pretty great way to end a decade, that’s for sure.

Now as I look toward the 20s (that’s so weird to say!), I’m pondering where I want to go next, literally and figuratively. I still want to take that trip to Iceland, but now my husband will be going with me— which will make it an even better trip than it would have been solo. And I’ll be doing more writing, no doubt. There are many other adventures yet to come and I can’t wait to find out where life will take me next.

What about you? What do the roaring 20s have in store for you … ?

(Image by Jörg Vieli from Pixabay)