Imagine, if you will, a peculiar scenario where you’re given the power to glimpse into the future. Would you take it?
Happy New Year!
A new day. A new year.
As the clock struck midnight, heralding the arrival of another year, I found myself reminiscing about a childhood delight – receiving a shiny new notebook. There was something magical about those blank pages, brimming with potential, waiting to be filled with thoughts, dreams, and stories. It’s much like the New Year: a fresh canvas, an uncharted territory full of possibilities.
In my journey as a writer, I’m currently at the threshold of a new project. It’s a thrilling and slightly unnerving place to be. I’ve penned several novels, each journey beginning with a mix of excitement and trepidation, much like standing at the start of a new year. Right now, I’m about 10% into this new adventure, but I’m keeping the details close to my chest. Why? Because, like many, I grapple with the fear of jinxing it by speaking too soon.
This is where writing becomes a profound metaphor for life. I don’t outline my books. I write by the seat of my pants, letting the story unfold organically. It’s a leap of faith, not unlike stepping into the unknown of a new year. There’s no map, no GPS – just trust in the journey and the stories waiting to be discovered. It’s both exhilarating and daunting, but isn’t that the essence of life?
In our quest to make sense of the future, we often find ourselves balancing on a tightrope of fear and excitement. We crave the thrill of new experiences yet fear the uncertainties they bring. As I weave the threads of my next novel, not knowing where the plot will twist or turn, I’m reminded of the beauty of not knowing. The unknown keeps us on our toes, makes us alive, and drives our creativity.
But imagine, if you will, a peculiar scenario where you’re given the power to glimpse into the future. Would you take it? This question often lingers in the back of our minds, more so at the start of a new year. The thought of peeking through the veil of time, whether to foretell joyous achievements or to brace for unseen challenges, is as tempting as it is terrifying. It’s akin to reading the last page of a novel before you’ve even started – the very antithesis of the writer’s journey. And as an author who thrives on the thrill of the unknown plot twist, I shy away from such foresight. There’s something profoundly human about living each day as it comes and embracing life’s surprises.
And yet, like an afternoon shadow, that deeper, more existential musing of not knowing how much time remains in this life journey of ours clings to us. It’s a thought that can be overwhelming if dwelt upon too long. Yet, it’s also a powerful reminder to cherish each moment. While it’s a path less trodden, considering our mortality can be liberating rather than paralysing. It can inspire us to live more fully, to write not just with ink on paper, but with our actions and choices in the grand narrative of life. This year, perhaps, we should aspire to treat each day with the reverence it deserves, not out of fear, but in celebration of the now.
And so, as we step into this New Year, let’s embrace the unknown with the spirit of a writer. Let’s find joy in the journey, revel in the surprises, and cherish the stories that unfold along the way. After all, it is in the unwritten pages of our lives where the most exciting tales are waiting to be discovered.
Here’s to a year of good health, new stories, and unexpected adventures. May we all write a 2024 that’s worth reading. 🍾🥂
