✕

petty beginnings

It’s a new year, and while I didn’t plan to start it this way, I guess I’m starting it off on a very petty note. My dear friend Marian recently posted a blog that, on the surface, was impressive—uplifting, even. But as I read through it, I couldn’t help but feel it was a subtle jab at me—a response to something I’d shared with her about my plans for 2025.

Here’s an excerpt from her post:

Which brings me to the whole "New Year, New Me" thing. You've heard it before, right? It's everywhere - a season of reinvention, fresh starts, and big, shiny goals. And while I love the vibe, here's the truth I've learned over time:

You don't need January 1st to decide you want something different. Change doesn't care about the date on the calendar. It happens when you're ready to commit to it, whether it's the start of a new year or just a random Tuesday in April. Setting goals and pursuing them is less about timing and more about being honest with yourself. Too often, people get caught up in the hype, setting massive, dreamy, somewhat unrealistic resolutions (I've done it too, in the past), only to feel defeated by February.

Now, imagine this: you share your plans with a friend—telling them how you intend to fully enjoy a ‘detty December’ and then approach the new year with renewed focus and intention. They encourage you, maybe even hype you up. Then, days later, you see a blog post that subtly shades your conversation, disguising it as advice.

Well, Marian, here’s my response:

The start of a new year does feel like a clean slate—a fresh beginning makes it easier to reflect on the past and plan for the future. It’s like a natural checkpoint to reassess priorities and map out plans for the future.

While timing may not matter for everyone, starting on January 1st is simply a STRUCTURED AND INTENTIONAL CHOICE FOR THOSE OF US WHO THRIVE ON PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION. It doesn’t mean we’re not serious; it’s just what works for us.

So, Marian, next time you feel the urge to sub your friend in a blog post, how about just saying it to my face? 😊

And to anyone reading this: whether you start fresh in January or on a random Tuesday in April, what matters most is committing to the journey when you’re ready. After all, there’s no wrong time to pursue the change you want in your life.

Sincerely,

Glinder