Winter has settled nicely in the Austrian alps where I’m spending the holidays. There isn’t a lot of snow yet but there are a few frosty white carpets here and there due to the freezing temperatures.  The window to walk in the mountainous path is shorter as the sun sets earlier now.

Looking at a beautiful old barn against the winter landscape I think about the  saying “Out with the old, in with the new “. But should we really?

Don’t we usually fail to stay true to our new year resolutions? The path we thought would be straightforward is many times steeper than we had imagined. Is it that bad when we only manage to get halfway there?

I think we need to be open and flexible to life challenges. Sometimes a house lacks the finishing touches but at least the walls are standing high, reminding us to be proud of what we have accomplished so far.

But I know well that it is easy to fall into old patterns and be comfortable with doing things the same way. Fear of the unknown and fear of failing can freeze us.

So often we need to get a step back and look at things from another perspective. It can change everything.

That is the hardest thing to do, to believe in yourself and dare to take that leap of faith. To believe you can be creative and make something special.

So don’t be quick to discard and move on just because you missed the end of the year deadline. If it is something you still believe you can accomplish, move it to the next year resolutions. Make it happen at your own pace. Don’t allow any outside pressures to affect the outcome you seek. You will know when you are ready.

However, if you know last year resolutions are no longer what you desire. If you are sure you have moved on, then it is time to “out with the old and in with the new”! That is the beauty of being human, making your own decisions, following your own path, wherever it leads.

The fresh air feels colder now. The sun is setting fast but I can still see the road ahead…

Have a wonderful 2025!