New Years Message 2023

Written By: Kristen MacKenzie 

Copyright: 2023

The definition of change often coincides with the cycle of death & rebirth. In nature, we see this each year with the passing of one season into the next. The symbolism of the butterfly is a wonderful representation of metamorphosis. Transitioning and evolving during each life cycle. Change however, can mean many different things. As the world isolated itself due to a global pandemic, COVID 19 changed how we lived and communicated with each other. At this moment, many are still feeling the loss of their loved ones who won’t be with them during this holiday season; to share in the happy memories and new or old traditions. As we return to normal, those same changes will be felt as we learn new ways to coexist and work together for the betterment of humanity.

For those of us who live in the commonwealth & Great Britain, no change was more deeply felt than when the world said goodbye to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the 2nd in September of last year. For 70 years, Queen Elizabeth represented consistency and stability during her reign as monarch. For many generations, the late Queen represented those cherished members of our own family. Mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. In April of 2020, during the Queen’s Easter message to the realm, her late majesty echoed this sentiment

“As dark as death can be, particularly for those suffering with grief, light and life are greater”.

However, one of her late Majesty’s most enduring quotes came from Queen Elizabeth’s Christmas message in 2019 to the Commonwealth.

“It is worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.”

At the heart of change is the acceptance of responsibility. The moment where we choose to right the wrongs either against ourselves or another. For some this is difficult. It is however, even during times of great difficulty & hardships that we find forgiveness and a sense of peace.

On January 1st, the day in which we celebrate the New Year, it is during this celebration in which we look ahead that our desire for change becomes most prevalent. Though most may not keep to those resolutions, change remains at the very heart of our evolution as humans. How we challenge ourselves, defines how we ultimately better the world around us. We learn, we grow, we adapt and we become stronger. No doubt, 2023 will bring many more changes & challenges in the year to come. For now, from my family to yours; I want to wish you all a very New Year.