Each year reminds me.. It’s the little things over and over that build up to the big ones. And often times when we’re in the big moments, those too are composed of a thousand small instances. 35 has arrived for me today, and with it comes my unoriginal but nonetheless important practice of introspection. I like to define words for a year, which is something that started when I turned 30. Subsequent years have been about listening, noticing, bravery, gratitude. This year, I think the word is action. Or rather, I know the word is action. There. That’s the commitment. Might as well start it here, with that declaration.

Action won’t mean sweeping motions always, but it will mean forward momentum. It will mean that even the tiny moments forward count. It will also mean allowing the tiny moments to add up to something bigger.

I feel quiet today, and small. But I do feel some clarity for 35, which makes me grateful.