2025 Check in : Sunsets in Winter

1/15/25

These last few weeks, I’ve found myself spending more time gazing at sunsets. I’m usually more aware of them in the summer, but this winter, I’ve been particularly drawn to them. Lately, they’ve served as a signal to stop working. Whatever didn’t get done today can wait until tomorrow or the next day (God willing). Now is the time to rest—rest your body, mind, and spirit.

As much as I enjoy the night and creating during the hours when most are asleep, this season has felt like a recalibration. Even when I stay up late, I’ve been quieter, stiller, and more reflective—especially considering the current state of the world.

While reflection is important, sunsets also remind us to be present. You can’t dwell too much on the past or overthink the future; you must be present to receive the blessings that are here in the now. You must be present to truly enjoy the beauty of a sunset.

Sending a big Happy New Year to everyone! As we start this new cycle, please remember to be kind to yourself. We often put a lot of pressure on ourselves to take advantage of this “clean slate.” We set resolutions to eat better, work out more, drink less, etc., and the moment we slip up—indulging for just one day—we tend to abandon the whole plan and retreat into our comfort zones.

But remember: with every sunset comes the promise of a new day — God willin’ you’ll have the chance to see the sunrise on another fresh start. Every day is New Year’s Day! You can choose to make a resolution to improve whenever you’re ready. Perfection is an idea, not a goal. Give yourself room to be human, and set yourself up to win.

For example, if you know you don’t enjoy working out every day, set a goal to work out every other day or every two days, and then gradually build up to a daily routine. Remember, you make the rules. Create a structure that aligns with the level of growth you’re aiming to achieve.

I’ve had to take my own advice. I wanted to build more consistency in posting here (on this blog) but struggled to figure out how to drive more traffic to my site. Granted, Instagram is fine, but people don’t engage the way I need them to… lol. As I embraced the idea of writing more, I realized I needed a platform with more space to practice. It also became clear that most people don’t pay attention to anything longer than a paragraph unless it’s from a vetted source.

This issue was also giving me the perfect excuse to delay other projects I’d been working on—it felt like I was hustling backward, sharing any new work without clear direction. I needed a space where I could write and be in community with other writers (because they actually like to read..lol).

it’s true when said that once you fully commit to something, the universe will conspire to help you when it’s in alignment with your spirit. After I made the decision to pursue this direction, my wife suggested I check out Substack. If you haven’t heard of it—or if you’re already on the platform—you can check me out here.

Thanks for tapping in, and here’s to more sunsets, more reflection, and more intentional growth!

Enjoy these selects from this winter!

1LoV3

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2025 Check in : Sunsets in Winter