It might not actually be a "New Year", but it is certainly a new beginning!

 Wow, I really suck at blogging, or at least I did last year. I will not say that 2023 was bad, but I will say that a lot changed, and I did not do a good job of taking care of myself. My mother-in-law passed away, bringing a lot of new lessons and decisions for my significant other and me. My master's program was difficult and challenging in the best of ways. We had a new school librarian that I could learn from. I kept dancing as my troupe attempted to become a little more professional. I did not do a lot of crafting or creating. I struggled through the school year, but I did my best to support my students and gracefully (gracefully?) address school politics when they challenged my own moral compass. There are many quotes about 2023 being about surviving, and they really speak to how last year went. Writing was not one of my major concerns since I was doing so much with ECU, but here we are, starting fresh again in a new year.

Neil DeGrasse Tyson shared a TikTok (find here) discussing that the traditional celebration of New Year's Eve/ New Year's Day has no astronomical relevance. It is celebrated worldwide but is essentially a made-up date. It would make much more sense to begin something on the Spring Equinox, which does make astronomical sense. Not that it devalues cultural norms, and making up something doesn't make it less true (Thank you, Terry Pratchett), but maybe that is why we don't stick to resolutions very well? Starting any new habit when it is cold and bleak outside and many of us are struggling through seasonal depression just does not seem appealing. 

Except, I am starting new. I am joining a new faculty, teaching a group of students with no clue who I am, and going back to a vaguely familiar building that has changed so much. I will be stepping into the shoes of a much-beloved librarian with little to no experience in the role and little guidance. I have so much to learn and do to get ready. I have habits to shed and new ones to pick up. I am reading what I can to prepare, but I feel that no amount of preparation will get me ready. I am excited about that challenge, but it is scary to start something new. I hope that by starting to blog again, I can track my progress and reflect on what I can get done.

As for today, the first day of the "New Year," I have several goals. Number one, no unnecessary cleaning. Which means no laundry, no dusting, etc. You don't want to wash the luck out on the first day of the year. I don't go so far as to say I don't shower (though I didn't wash my hair) or don't do dishes. Those must be done. But I don't have to push it. I have read my daily devotions, renewed my NCALA membership, and am setting things up for 2024. I will also cook traditional ham, black-eyed peas, cornbread, and greens. I am contemplating this year's guiding word and will reflect on last year's word. Maybe I will share them here tomorrow if today really sets a new beginning. I need to call or text everyone and wish them a happy rotation around the sun, thanking them for the support they have given throughout the year. I don't know what the next year brings, but I hope me and mine can face it with love, grace, faith, and joy. Cheers.