Happy 2016! Like most years, this one began with a sense of newness. But this isn’t just the “I’m going to write every day” kind of New Year. This year it’s more like “I’m going to get a job and move to a new city and probably change my whole lifestyle.” It’s made me realize that at most points during my life, even those that I consider to be major turning points, there has never been so much ambiguity. Last year at this time I knew I’d be returning to school and then studying abroad in the summer; this year I know nothing.
It is possibly the scariest thing ever. It is also ridiculously refreshing.
Change is hard, but without it life seems pretty meaningless. I came across this quote a few days ago and was struck by just how true it is. For the last twenty-one years of my life, I’ve lived a routine of school years with little variation. Some years are virtually indistinguishable from others, aside from classes, various vacations, and movie premieres. So now it’s time for a big change.
The lack of certainty is a little exciting. In a month, I could be anywhere, doing anything. All it requires is taking a few steps at a time, just like I did all last year, and remembering that you have to give a little to see results. Sometimes it means spending a little extra money to do something you’ve always wanted to do. Sometimes it means taking a little extra time out of your day. But mostly it means taking a chance, even when you’re not sure of the outcome. For that reason, I hope that 2016 is a year of fearlessness in work, in writing, and in life.