So long, 2024: Embracing the lessons of pain and blessings
The new year brings renewed commitment to health, growth and love that shows up.
There’s never been a year I’ve been more ready to leave behind than this one—one filled with tremendous pain and challenge, but also unexpected blessings.
As I look ahead, I’m hoping for a “normal” year—whatever that means. But at the very least, I’d love to see a year with more joy, less struggle, and more health.
For me, health is more than just eating better (more kale, please) or exercising more (also something I’m working on). It’s about how I live my life and who I share it with. I want to surround myself with people who nurture my emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being, in a way that feels reciprocal and supportive.
I’m especially excited to watch baby Hart grow, celebrating every milestone, and to see my son and daughter-in-law continue to amaze me with their deep love and remarkable parenting.
I’m committed to ongoing growth and learning, so I can continue to be a better version of myself and offer more to those around me.
Above all, I want to hold on to one key lesson from this year: Love shows up. It shows up in those small, everyday moments when you have the chance to lift someone up, to brighten their day, or to be, as Jody was recently described by a stranger who only knew her through a picture, a “ray of sunshine.”
If I can do just a bit more of that, it will be a very good year.
Love you all
About Paul
If you've navigated the complexities of love, loss, or life's unpredictable twists and turns, this blog is for you. Paul, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 2022 and lost his beloved Jody in 2024, is also a father, new grandfather and a speaker/writer. Paul writes to make sense of the world around him, sharing his personal journey through grief, Parkinson’s, and life's challenges. With a mix of lightheartedness, thoughtfulness, and unwavering authenticity, Paul offers a relatable and heartfelt perspective on the human experience. His writing is often described as warm, genuine and deeply moving.