For many folks, January comes with resolutions and goals—a long standing tradition that some trace back to ancient Babylonia. Though, 4000 years ago, the new calendar year didn't begin in January.
In modern times, resolutions are as much known for being broken as they are for being made. Some folks opt to pick a word, something to focus on for the year. The simplicity of one focal point, rather a list of resolutions, can be very appealing.
I've never been one for resolutions. Neurodivergent people, like myself, often struggle with executive function impairment, and resolutions tend to fall within that scope. I did find a single word much easier to come up with, at least the first few years I tried.
The last few years, I'd struggled to come up with a word. It felt like the intention and focus behind choosing a word waned about halfway through the year. In fact, I haven't done resolutions or a word for quite some time.
I'd been mulling over what to do this year—perhaps take an opportunity to get out of the pandemic funk, that sense that it's all been one very long year. I've been gravitating toward seasonal reflections instead.
And then, I caught a response to a tweet that rocked me to my core:
https://t.co/A6OMAyQSNI pic.twitter.com/lyKDiJHSsp
— Cara Mumford (@caramumfordfilm) December 31, 2022
This Octavia Butler quote has stuck with me ever since I saw it. As someone who is so frequently called pessimistic or negative for trying to be proactive, this quote is like a balm to sore wounds.
I've put it on a sticky near my workspace, I'm toying with ideas of how to illustrate or handletter these words.
I think, at least for this winter season, these words will be my guide.
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