Discuss. or not.

For me, this is the end of a year, and the beginning of a new one. I recognize the 25th and the 1st as public holidays, but really for me it’s all about now.

At 2:04 AM EST, we reach the solstice — the point at which Sol is at maximum distance from Earth’s equator. Sol is at this point the furthest from the celestial equator: 23.5 degrees from the ecliptic, over the Tropic of Capricorn, and is the lowest in the sky in the Northern Hemisphere or the highest in the sky in the Southern Hemisphere. Here, it’s the official start of Winter; “down below,” it’s the official start of Summer. To me, this will always be a more concrete, measurable, and predictable start of the new year than any other calendar system.

This past year has been all about rediscovery for me: rediscovering myself, my loved ones, my friends, my interests, and my memories – both good and bad. Having my mind “switched on” also means being ready for all of the good and bad that comes from that.

Somehow, I’ve felt more ready these past 12 months than I have all my life. My path may be blindingly fast in some ways, but is excruciatingly slow in others. My only resolution for this new year is to communicate more — both within and without. So look to these pages for more spontaneous speech.

It’s been a great journey so far. Let’s see where this year takes us, shall we?

Read today’s Dr. Fun. Major Gary Larsen nostalgia. Thanks