New Year, New You (Actually… New “Me”)
The New Year brings reflection, anticipation, excitement, and a sense of renewal. Every year I imagine deepening my faith, my strength, and my mind. I love diving into new books, new podcasts, and new regimen’s in the new year. I always feel a palpable energy to organize, structure, and fix anything that was just barely hanging on at the end of the year. (Think sinks, tables, stools, tubs, cars and even myself).
Nothing felt normal in 2021. I don’t even remember what normal should feel like. We define events in our life now as B.C. (Before COVID) and A.C. (After COVID). We are a divided nation in what feels like everything. (Medicine, Education, Politics, Faith, Equality). We constantly judge others in this A.C. world as “guilty” until proven innocent instead of “innocent” until proven guilty. It’s not ideal.
For all of us, life happens in our own little microcosm. Mine happens to be within about an 8 mile radius of my home. Our shops bring in everyone from everywhere. We never know who will walk in the door or what is going on in that moment, in their life, but we will always greet you with a smile.
I’ve learned a few things as I get older and had time to reflect. Mostly, I have learned that we all quietly carry struggles, challenges, tears and a deep need of belonging. At the same time we also carry a curiosity to connect, to love deeper, to laugh, and to encourage. In 2022 let’s be louder with our grace for others, our joy for others, and our encouragement to everyone. Let’s smile and laugh and break-bread together.
Stop by our shops sometime and see if we are living up to our end of the deal! Our goal is to be encouraging. Hopefully you will leave with a smile and a sense of belonging. At worst, you likely got to meet Beau and he will always bring out a smile.
Cheers to 2022 and a better human-kind!
Matt
Beau “The Greeter” at Provisions Mercantile.
