New Year's Toast for 2025

As we navigate the final days of 2024, it feels important to reflect on how fast life moves. I shared with the Student Council members this morning that as I have gotten older, it feels more and more true. I turned 55 this year, and that seems to signify that I am solidly in the 2nd half of my life - like on the downhill side of the timeline. That’s something that’s hard for me to acknowledge. My life is busy - it’s full of work and family and friends and all kinds of activities and priorities. And sometimes in the midst of all that busy-ness, it feels like another year just passes by me. As the new year approaches, I am trying to be thoughtful about what I allow my time and attention to be upon. Instead of allowing my attention to focus on the many many things that seek to capture it, I want to focus on the things that really matter, the things that bring meaning to my life. And I hope to pause and appreciate the things that are important to me and especially the people who are important to me.

I know the lives of Griffin students and faculty members are extremely full, so I trust the thought to consider how we use our time and what we give our attention to resonates with many of you too.

I got so much from the comments from Student Council members this morning - there was a ton of wisdom there. So I’ll share a few of those reflections with you as hopes for all of us in the new year…

• This new year in particular feels like a time of remarkable change - that’s true for our country and for our society at large, and it’s true for many of us in our personal lives. Let’s recognize that we have agency to make the changes we want to see in our lives and in our communities. Change is what we make of it; let’s embrace the challenges, take advantage of the opportunities that show up, and commit to making the positive changes the world needs.
• Let’s avoid the traps for our time and attention that seem to be ever-present and all around us. Instead, let’s be intentional about our choices. Let’s live with a sense of purpose.
• Let’s commit to fewer things - let’s try to do less - so that we can put our full selves into the things we do commit to. Let’s live in the moment and be fully present to each other.
• Most importantly, let’s savor the moments we have together with the people we care about. Let’s surround ourselves with people who bring out our best selves, who lift us up, who bring joy and positivity into our lives.

Here’s to a new year filled with purpose, joy, and meaningful moments. May we choose wisely, live fully, and cherish every step along the way. Cheers to the year ahead!