$pent Millennial

Dear Reader, 

January is such an exciting time for so many people. Well, at least that first week or two. 

This past week, I, along with millions (or billions, I don’t know) of other people, celebrated New Year’s. For many, this is a time for new beginnings, fresh starts, and the excitement a “blank page” brings. And I love it! 

I love the opportunities ahead and the idea of reinvention and possibility that fills the air. But even more than January 1st, I appreciate December 31st. Not because I love to party or stay up late. That’s not really my scene- especially these days. 

What I love about New Year’s Eve is the opportunity it brings for us to reflect on the year as it closes. 

Celebrating New Year’s Eve as an adult, I have found that rather than celebrating in a loud and explosive way, I prefer to take the time to sit with myself and reflect. 

What were my goals for the year? What promises did I make to myself? Did I keep them? What went well? What was a challenge? How do I feel about the year as a whole? 

While I am not big on resolutions, I am big on intention and on internal locus of control. So, as I look back on the year, I do not track the number of mornings I went to the gym or the books I read, instead, I try to look at the big picture of the year. I ask myself things like: 

• Did I get where I wanted to go? 
• Were there road bumps or hiccups along the way? 
• How did I handle them? 
• Am I better off for it now, or is this a chance to pivot in my course? 

I love this day, this time of reflection because no matter what the answer to those questions, I am able to look at them with the gift of perspective. 

Looking back feels a little like the end of a movie. As the final scene fades, there’s a sense of relief—like taking a deep breath you didn’t realize you were holding. The big moments stand out, but even the difficult or confusing parts feel worth it in the end. Somehow, everything settles into its place, and whether the ending was exactly what I expected or not, I can appreciate the journey for what it was.

Some moments from the year were dramatic turning points, while others were the quiet scenes that filled the space in between. Together, they all contribute to shaping the full story, but none of them tell it alone.

The gift of this perspective is the realization that the things that felt like make-or-break moments can fade into the background, like minor characters whose names flash by and are quickly forgotten. While these moments are important, serving to push the narrative forward, they do not define the year. 

As I look back on the year, moments and events that felt big, difficult, scary or annoying become small pixels of the larger image. Each moment, event, decision is radically important as it serves its role in creating the larger picture- and yet, none of them are the full picture in themselves.

And after all that reflection, with lessons learned and perspective gained, I am able to look ahead. What do I want for the year to come? What’s within my power to change or create? What’s not? What role do I choose to play as I move through the year ahead? 

I bring with me the perspective, reminding me not to sweat the small stuff so much.

So, dear reader, I share this with you today because I want to give you the gift of 2 words that I use to remind myself of this perspective when I feel I am getting pulled in. “Zoom out.” 

Here is my invitation for the week (and weeks) ahead: 

When life feels overwhelming or the small moments seem too loud, take a step back. Let the edges blur, and remember that each piece is part of something bigger. The challenges, the victories, the detours—they all belong, but none of them define the whole story on their own.

Not every moment deserves center stage. Some, that feel so big and scary and important now, won’t even make the final cut. 

As always, thank you for reading! 

If you haven’t yet, I invite you to subscribe and “join me for coffee” each Sunday morning.

Until next week, be well and take care, 

Everett 

P.S check out my Instagram for more relatable bite-size content: @spentmillennial .