Why is every new year supposed to be more special than the previous one? It isn’t. Our steps are.
Our life path is what truly matters. That is the gold. That is what holds value. We simply, as humans, invented — for technical but also comforting reasons — measurable systems to attach everything to. So we don’t get lost. Or so we don’t feel lost.
For me, every new number added to the scale of my age represents a step forward. Even if it’s a tiny one on the long imaginary line of a human life. A word I wrote. A hug I didn’t miss. A smile or a tear I didn’t suppress. A soul I didn’t hurt. Advice I gave. A lesson I learned. Many mistakes I made.
The same “basket” every year
This year, too, I don’t have much to highlight on my personal life line. Joy, laughter, tears, worries, hugs, smiles, anger, anxiety. The exact same basket of emotions that Life leaves every single year on our doorstep.
And we, in a hurry, bring it inside. We rush to open all the gifts, expecting mythical wealth and endless fairytale happiness. But Life will keep bringing us the same gifts every year. Because wealth — and happiness itself — is hidden precisely inside these emotions of our soul.
And until we learn to accept them and coexist with them, they will keep feeling the same to us. Maybe even useless. Yet, that is exactly where the magic lies. And yes, the bitterness too.
We want to be happy all the time. But if we never feel the opposite emotion, we will never fully appreciate the good when it finally arrives. I’m not saying I want to suffer, nor do I wish it upon anyone. I’m simply learning to soften difficult emotions and experiences and see them as part of the path.
Like a small puddle I stepped into, briefly dirtying my shoe. Nothing more, nothing less. It won’t destroy my shoe. It won’t push me off my path. It will simply make me pause, look ahead, and wonder how to move forward in a better way — with the people I truly want beside me.
The people we choose to walk with
Because above all else, this is what matters: that the people you want close to you are healthy. Everything else will come. Sooner or later. With persistence and work, it will come. But along the way, you need people to rest with when you’re tired. People to hug when you feel it. People you can push further, higher than yourself — simply because you love them. And because their joy becomes your joy and your greatest source of momentum.
The planner as a symbol
Every new year, I personify this new number with a small planner. A quiet symbol that says: we move forward. We are not lucky. We are not rich. We are blessed that we are standing and that we have each other. Everything else will follow.
A blank canvas is magic. It holds endless possibilities and imaginary adventures waiting to happen. And this freedom is thrilling.
One single year held the most important thing of all: my family’s health and my son growing up. It also held my very first vegan children’s story. And the transformation of Zenia’s Vegan Life into Zenia’s Vegan Life Creative Studio.
I’m planning many things for my small Creative Studio. I’m writing even more. The continuation of my children’s story, as well as two adult books. Yet every time, life pleasantly surprises me and guides me toward the most creative paths. That’s why, as much as I want — and need — to stay organized, a part of me deeply craves creative chaos. That’s where I often feel most alive and most creative.
A gentle reminder
So whenever something shakes you, take a step back. Place your hand on your chest and breathe. Is it really that serious? Almost never. I know this firsthand.
Find what makes you breathe and don’t let it go. Whether it’s a person, an animal, or an activity. And don’t stop collecting experiences.
This is what the Creative Studio is too. An experience. A slow living experience guided by authenticity, art, and love for the life of all beings.
I want you with me.
We still have so much to see,
to live,
to write.
Let’s go.
This was only the beginning.
