Feeling Good Pressure

There’s a lot of pressure surrounding New Year’s. Many people feel they need or want to make resolutions, have a new start as our calendar begins again. Some people feel they have to have an exciting evening on New Year’s Eve, maybe kiss someone they’ve always wanted to kiss, embrace loved ones, treat themselves and friends to special food or fancy drink.

Do we do this because it’s something we feel we want to do, and it makes sense to do it on the one day before our calendar starts fresh? If we didn’t do these things on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, then when would we do it? Some countries don’t celebrate on December 31st and January 1^st, but they do celebrate a new year, as I understand.

It’s about marking the passage of time, perhaps. It gives us an opportunity to reflect, take stock of what we’re doing. Marking a new year may give us a way to make changes, confirm a path, shift thinking towards the new year, thank people for being in your life, for helping you.

This past year has been like a roller coaster, a very scary one. In some ways, it feels like we can’t stop moving and take the time to reflect because there’s too much to do. Maybe taking the time to reflect these last few days simply is a way to strengthen our resolve for what is ahead. Conserve energy, make sure our focus is clear.

Politics aside--which is not an easy thing to do --my year ahead is going to be different professionally. A few major things I look forward to:

—First, further connecting with all of you here. Seeing Things has become a place for me to really experiment and explore who I am as a creative. This is in large part because of you, you have allowed me to stretch myself in ways I never could have imagined. I’m having so much fun here! I am very grateful to you all.

—Secondly, I will be traveling with my documentary in the coming year to share it with as many people as I can. Directing and producing Women Laughing in 2025 was thrilling; I learned so much. The next phase will be just as thrilling, meeting more people, connecting with you in different parts of the country and abroad. The making this film, one that celebrates art and creativity and women, is not something I see as a one-off; I see it as something that I need to continue. Stay tuned for more on the film where/when you can see it, and where/when we can meet.

—Finally, I plan to grow Seeing Things and Women Laughing into new endeavors. I value your input, as always! You can share your thoughts in the comments, but I also plan to set up a way for you to write me by email. More soon.

Today’s newsletter opened as I was trying to understand my own feelings towards New Year’s. As much as I try to be chill about it, I do feel the pressure! But I believe as long as it’s good pressure, good reflection, positive outlook, not self-critcal, I think pressure serves a purpose. I wrote to you about it; maybe you feel the same.

I hope you’re enjoying your day and evening, whether in your pajamas in the living room, or out on the town, or something in between!

I will say it again I’m very grateful for you being here, you guys are the best. See you tomorrow!

Below is the live drawing I just did of the sketch above!