Written by Celine Louie
As we step into a new year, we have a choice as to how we will navigate the on-coming waves of 2024 and beyond. Looking back on the events of the last 3 years, you are justified in choosing a little differently to how you would have chosen previously, for these are times of immense growth for all of us. You have been tested in unimaginable ways; your deepest resolve has been put to the test. Did you follow your heart?
Regardless of how you have navigated the past, the future is open to you, and the choices you make from here on-in are yours to make in any way you choose. As they say, we can only live our lives with the knowledge that we have at the time, but rest assured, your heart will always guide you in the right direction, and the strength you need to travel uncharted waters is always there when you need it.
Sadly, it can feel that we live in a divided community at the moment. There is a push to separate coming from all fronts, and it’s hard not to be dragged into the whirlpool of different agendas, placed there to weaken our community and take our focus away from the bigger picture. For a divided nation is much easier to manipulate and control!
But remember this, despite the push to separate, we have been shown how collectively strong we all are when push comes to shove. Over the past few years many have put aside their differences to come together for one common cause, a cause bigger than the division put there to distract us. For when our way of life is threatened, when our ability to move through life freely, and as we choose is taken away, the people will inevitably band strong and rise up together to say No.
I know my words won’t resonate with everyone, but I urge you to look around at the messages of division that are all around us, and choose to ignore them rather than join them. Don’t allow yourselves to be pushed into boxes that will only serve to separate you from those who care. We are all different in so many ways, but yelling loudly from inside your box won’t achieve the positive change you desire.
Let’s make 2024 the year of connection. Let’s make a point to turn off the nightly news forever, block out the messages of division and hate, and instead look around at all the people we are blessed to have in our lives and all that we have in common.
Let’s remember that no matter our differences, we are all here with one shared purpose, to live peacefully and joyfully on this beautiful land we are all so lucky to be able to call Home.