We’ve once again arrived at the end of one year with the onset of another just lurking in the shadows, unbeknownst to us whether it may be the hero or the villain.

I’m wishing for the hero, because the last two years have been…. well, you know…

This time of year, for me, is more than just a time to lie around full of cheese and unsure about what day it is. 

For me, it is a time of reflection about what went right and what went wrong amid the sprinkles of real life mixed in with the gasps, the smiles, the frowns, and the tears that pepper each yearly calendar. It’s also a time of rejuvenation and illumination as I look ahead to what I hope to accomplish and experience within the blank boxes of the twelve months that lie in front of me.

I set specific goals for 2021 a year ago, like I do on the cusp of each new year. Not resolutions, because those rarely work for me, but attainable goals that I hoped to bring to fruition within the next 365 days. Two of said goals centered upon creative endeavors (one of which I’ve spent seven years honing and crafting) and were of utmost importance to my heart.

But neither venture reached the measure of success I had envisioned despite my best efforts.

Thus, I failed.

I thought I was close a number of times, and I followed the universe’s breadcrumbs as I always do. I believed in each, believed in myself, but that combined with my hard work wasn’t enough.  I sit here facing the fact that I am not where I thought I would be a year ago.

Thus, I failed.

It is true that both provided me with lessons and growth. I know what I did wrong and what I must do with each moving forward if either will be deemed a so-called “success,” but my mind ghoulies have had a field day during the latter part of this year in making me feel immensely vanquished. I still carried the weight of defeat and futility and disappointment upon my shoulders as we entered the last month of 2021.

During a poignant meditation session a few days ago, however, a bright light illuminated something brilliantly new, yet something that has always been there deep inside my soul. 

Yes, I may have failed by not attaining my desired outcome for those two goals, but I succeeded in finding the dawn of a new path now bathed in radiant light.

The light that beams from within me has melted away the overbearing weight I’ve burdened for far too long and shines upon a new route where I will no longer be focused on the outcome but on the journey. Exhilaration overpowers my trepidation and purpose outshines my pain as I forge ahead with curiosity and resolve.

2022 will be a resounding new beginning for me, a year when I will connect with my soul every single day and with the ocean. I will bask in authenticity while I act according to my soul’s desires and let my words become my light. My word for 2022 is SHINE, and that’s my intention, to shine as bright as I can while hopefully sparking the light in others.

And regarding those two “biggest” goals from the past year? I’m not sure I’ll encounter either of them along the coming year’s path. Maybe my journey will circle me around to revisit them, maybe not, but each of them assisted me with arriving at the here-and-now and brightened my core being. I am grateful, not regretful, for each as I step over 2021’s final boundary and forward into 2022.

The only reference to COVID I’ll make is that I am grateful it showed me what truly matters most: relishing the time I am able to both experience life and make memories with the people I treasure. 

My soul, it called me to write this for you…

Take 2021’s lessons and let them craft a new vision for the coming year. Listen to your soul’s deepest wishes and make them a priority. Focus on the internal rather than the external. Shine your light in all that you do, but don’t apologize for being human when your light may go dark for whatever reason…simply endure and emerge stronger once the light shines again. 

I wish for 2022 to provide you with whatever you most need and most desire. Shine on, dear one, and live bright.

Thanks for joining me on my journey. I’m glad you’re here.

With love and gratitude,

Jill

“Shine On” was posted on jillocone.com on December 30, 2021. Views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the writer, who was not endorsed or compensated in any manner by any entity; views do not represent any employer. Copyright 2021, Jill Ocone. All rights reserved. Contact jillocone@gmail.com with reposting, licensing, and publishing inquiries.