I’ve been trying to find a way to sum up the year in a way that is concise but also conveys its significance. I’m not sure it’s possible, but here are a few words, a couple of songs and some photos from Morocco where I’ve been since just before Christmas.
A year to cherish
As the year draws to a close, I feel like I’ve just eaten a very big meal followed by a decadent dessert. Which is to say, I’m satiated to the point of discomfort. It was a lot!
From January to June, I was ramping up for my move to France – research, planning, logistics – while winding down over 45 years in the workforce and a 20 year chapter in Toronto. I was able to keep an even tension between all intents which was no small feat.
August to December was all about newness. New language, new culture, a new social circle. New sights and sounds. New habits and routines. A new life.
I will cherish this year. I particularly loved the in-between month of July, with its celebrations and seeya laters. What a feast for my soul.
Up next? Ease.
The thought that keeps popping into my mind is that I need to sink into myself. I close my eyes and picture the exhale and the settling into repose.
I was alone for the first 5 days of my trip to Morocco. It provided a necessary opportunity for reflection and I was finally able to slow my brain down and get some clarity.
I’ve been planning a big trip to central Asia for spring but have decided to postpone it. I realize that I need to take more time to let my nervous system calm down after such a momentous year.
I want to explore more of Europe and possibly buy a car. I’m also ready to start writing a novel that I’ve outlined. I’ve been told that Pézenas will be very quiet for the next few months which will suit me just fine.
I expect 2025 to be a year of internal growth. I plan to keep posting here once a week, but the content may be a bit different. More cerebral, I expect, but who knows?
Songs
A song that came to mind many times over the past year was Living in the Moment by Jason Mraz. I tried hard to savour the present through all the changes.
I’ve picked Ray LaMontagne’s In My Own Way as my song for 2025. It’s a song that gives me a lot of peace.
Photos
As we say goodbye to 2024, I leave you with photos from the beautiful Essaouira, Morocco, with its cats and seagulls, its history and its vibrancy.
Wishing you peace and joy in 2025.
À bientôt.
Wonderful and inspiring as always. May 2025 keep you on a roll to continuing self awareness and self appreciation; and may it bring joy and success to your dreams.
Thank you, Carol! It’s been wonderful wrapping up the year with you ♥️
Sue, Thank you for summing up your year so beautifully. I LOVE that you have a sense when you need to move, reflect and cherish. I‘m ending my year in Europe. I spent Christmas with our daughter, Sarah, and her family in Berlin and a few days in Ireland at a magical place for Carver and me. I‘m reflecting on my 38 years with Carver and wrote a letter to him tonight thanking him for a beautiful life. I‘m looking forward to 2025 and seeing what God has in store for me. I am planning to spend some time in France next year…I‘ll keep you posted. God Bless, Marianne
Thank you, Marianne! I’m so glad I had a chance to meet Carver – what a wonderful man. Wishing you much peace in 2025.
bonne année/ happy new year. Keep enjoying and exploring… I’ve enjoyed your sharing your journey.
Peace, health and tranquility, Linda
Thanks, Linda! Wishing the same for you in 2025 ♥️
Hi Sue, I really enjoyed your latest post! Your photos and thoughts that you have shared are wonderful. Thank you for providing us with a light in such an uncertain world. I look forward to reading more about your 2025 journey. Best wishes, K
Thank you! Best wishes for 2025!
A wonderful wrap-up of a momentous year, and some gorgeous photos. So glad I was with you when you took some of them! Next year will be a new adventure and I am convinced it will be an exciting one for you.
It was great to wrap up the year together! Here’s to everything 2025 brings for both of us!