It's always magical to type the new year for the first time. It's like turning the page to the next chapter in a book with no idea what's coming, what the author has in mind for a favorite character, and how it will all turn out. 

None of us know how the days and months of 2025 will unfold. One thing is for sure, though. It is up to each of us. 

"We but mirror the world. All tendencies present in the outer world are to be found in the world of our body. If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. This is the divine mystery supreme. A wonderful thing it is and the source of our happiness. We need not wait to see what others do."

Mahatma Gandhi is often cited for saying, "Be the change you want to see in the world." The more extended quote above is the context from which the paraphrase comes. Either way, you put it, it's the truth. And in truth, we find our power.

In difficult times, we have a choice in how we respond. And it is our responses that create our lives so much more than the events themselves. Trying times and circumstances, disappointments, and loss, which we all will experience, give us an opportunity to rise and shine or sink into darkness and despair. And, simply put, the world we share reflects those choices. 

So when bad stuff happens, remember that we all have two opportunities.

One is to match the energy of the bad stuff that happens with anger, frustration, overwhelm, or anxiety and add more stress and suffering. The alternative is to rise to meet the moment and elevate your vibration and consciousness, bringing more light and love into the world. 

You know how a good hug feels. Right? A hug can make everything better. Separation and darkness dissipate. The connection illuminates and elevates. 

Likewise, when we wrap our hearts around a challenging situation, person, or tough conversation, we transform our way of thinking and being and inspire others to do the same. The result is a transformational ripple that is felt around the world. 

Despite all the uncertainty and polarization in the world today, 2025 can be the best year yet for you and for the world we share. The year will depend on the choices we make every day, how we spend our time and money, the words we choose, and the people we surround ourselves with. So choose wisely. Choose kindly. Merge the heart and brain and watch the miracles unfold. 

My wish for us in the new year is that we remember more times than we forget that the world is a mirror, always reflecting back at us what is going on within us. 

As we awaken the extraordinary power of our hearts, we activate feelings like compassion, appreciation, empathy, and kindness and become transformational change agents. With increasing heart rhythm coherence—the optimal state of being, each word, choice, and action we take heals, connects, and uplifts.

The world can and will reflect the best in humanity when we do. So, instead of just putting our heads together, let's make a commitment for the new year to put our hearts and minds together and be the change we want to see in the world. 

Picture by Brock Wegner