becca starkes

you can be thankful for what you learned
or simply mourn for what you lost.
you can be proud of what you accomplished
in the face of such horror
or you can remind yourself
compassionately
that it was a triumph
just to survive.
you can decide to make changes
or you can embrace the continuity
of repetition.

instead of vowing to be
more like someone else
in this next revolution around the sun
consider what it might mean
to be more like yourself.

honor the achievement
of breathing in the air
of a new year.

we made it.

Every year, it’s tempting to make big commitments to change, but perhaps this year that temptation is more acute than ever. The older I get, the more I realize that many of us “resolve” to do things that we think we ought to, or that others will give us a pat on the back for, rather than things that actually bring us authentic joy. I’m still finding the balance that lies somewhere between complacency and burnout. But just remember that if your only resolution is to get through another year, that’s okay. Meet yourself where you are, and don’t let anyone else tell you what feels right. Happy New Year from my little corner of the world to yours.

you can find more of my poetry on Instagram @wordsbybecca