Welcome back to the Den, my fellow Warriors! It was not my intention to let so much time go by before writing again, however Life, The Universe and Everything had other plans. So, instead of forcing the issue, we roll with what we are given, and keep moving forward.
I have to say that 2023 ended with a few unexpected surprises, and 2024 started with a few new ones as well. In so many ways, it truly was “out with the old and in with the new!”, and for this I am truly grateful. The first three years of this decade were absolute brutal hell in many ways, and I know that many of you experienced the same thing. In my part of the world, 2023 came through as a transitional year, out of the worst of the hell, and starting the process of healing and renewal. This new year, 2024, feels like it is starting with a totally different energy, an energy that has a more positive feeling to it. And that is exactly how my last month has been.
Last year, I started talking about how I had certain goals that I wanted to achieve, but in true form, I never set a specific timeline. I do that on purpose. Life happens, and sometimes other events force a shift in the how and when things occur. So, I leave space and let the entire experience (all of them, individually and together), be what it will be. My overriding goal is simply to have the experience happen in the time that it will happen. So, while last year, some of my goals did occur, I also had to shift some of my priorities for this year. Last year, one of my goals was to get back to nature, which I did. I had a phenomenal camping trip with my daughter. This year, I postponed one trip so that another can happen, again with my daughter.
I also had a opportunity to fulfill I lifelong promise to my daughter last year, and took her to her dream concert. It was something I had promised her when she was a very little girl, and last year things worked out perfectly for me to be able to keep that promise to her. I can tell you now, that there is nothing more fulfilling that seeing the absolute joy on her face as she watched her favorite artist performing live for the first time ever, after waiting 25 years for the opportunity.
That same trip had a surprise for me as well, and while I didn’t have tears streaming down my face, there was a reunion with my own sister who I hadn’t seen in 16 years. While she and I are not talking on a regular basis, it was good for us to open the door and begin communicating again at all. She and I get to rebuild the relationship that we were never allowed when we were younger.
Another one of the blessings that happened toward the end of the year was a beautiful gift exchange with a friend I made through work. One of my lifelong dreams has always been to have a handmade drum, and as it turns out, that’s one of the many things this very accomplished woman does. And while she has left town (one of the sadder parts of the end of the year), she gifted me a drum she had made. In return, I am making her a custom shawl that I will mail to her once it is complete. The greater gift is the friendship that allowed this to occur.
The last surprise is one of the biggest. It was also a goal from my very early years, and has taken 40 years to occur. It also ties together everything that I do and love, from writing to journalism, from music to performing. It is the goal that I gave up when I saw the hypocrisy and lies in that world, and in that business. Now, after many years, I can say that, while it is a volunteer position (which in my opinion only makes it better right now), I am officially in the radio business. Nearly three years ago, I went to an event in town, and met this guy who was starting an independent, all-volunteer radio station in our area. Last year, I started to get involved. This year, my job comes with an official title. I can truly say never give up, and it is never too late.
Warriors, 2024 is starting off to be a good year. The energy feels much better than the last few years, and while experience advises me to be cautious, I can say that I am looking forward to the events of this year more than I have in some time. I hope that you are with me.
Blessed Be.
The Warriors Den 