2018: The Year of Wholehearted Living

Today marks the third day of the year 2018. Some of us are glad to be rid of 2017. While some of us are anxious for what this New Year has to bring. The funny thing about new beginnings is that we’re all in the same position. No one has the upper hand, no one has inside info. It’s like standing at the starting line of a marathon. It doesn’t matter where each participant came from, or what they look like. They are all just standing at the starting line. And that is how I am choosing to see this New Year. Of course, the difference comes once the starting pistol goes off. Then it’s anyone’s race.

New beginnings bring with them an array of emotions. For some, you’re starting a new life in a new place. A new job, new relationship, new school, or a new marriage. These new beginnings can bring excitement, adventure, peace, hope, maybe a little bit of anxiety. Anxiety, on a large scale can be a negative thing. But anxiety actually helps us in many ways. Scientists have learned that anxiety, to some degree, keeps us excited and motivated about life. Anxiety sometimes pops up when some parts of our lives need realignment. It has also helped countless students get off from the couch, go to the library and study. Even the bad emotions, if you manage them properly, can help you make the best of the marathon that is ahead of you.

I don’t know what you went through in 2017 or what you’re already facing in 2018. Some of us may be extra cautious and vigilant because of those things. The saying “once bitten, twice shy” comes to mind. Believe you me, I used to be an expert at protecting myself and being EXTRA cautious moving forward. But Madeleine L’Engle wrote it best when she said that to be live is to be vulnerable. Things are bound to happen, but it is how we allow the situations to shape us that makes all the difference. I was having a conversation with my best friend the other week, and we were talking about how we tend to blame people and situations for how we are. How guarded, defensive and easily offended we are. We use those situations as excuses to tap out on life.

Theodore Roosevelt said the following:

“The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly…”

This year, may you not be held back by anything, not even what “they” did to you, or the scars that you may have to show for the fire that you went through last year. Maybe your face is marred by dust and sweat and blood. But this year, let us dare greatly. Let us live wholeheartedly.





I am an Occupational Therapist by profession, but I have many roles that bring meaning to my life. In short, I love people, books and love.

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