Resolutions are one way to set goals for the new year. Another approach is to think about what you would like to see happen in the future. What are your dreams? What do you want to happen in your life? It doesn’t matter if the dreams are large or small. If you are going to dream, you might as well dream big.
The key point of life transitions, like New Year's, should be reflection. Looking back at the previous year and giving pause to celebrate the things that went well and note the areas that need improvement. Like a snake, more on that in a moment, we have the opportunity to shed the parts of our life, goals, and dreams that do not go as well as we hoped. We learn from the good and the bad, and we move forward.
Even while we should focus on growth and look forward, take a moment to reflect on the positive aspects of 2024 and absorb the peace and grace of your positive gains. Find laughter, fun, and forward movement in 2025 without rigid resolutions or proclamations. Remember that every day and every breath is an opportunity to start again, not just January first or the New Year.
Backstory
The 2025 Lunar New Year is the year of the snake. This snake is known for its wisdom, transformative energy, growth, stability, and creativity.
In Norse mythology, Jörmungandr is the world serpent, or Midgard Serpent, who encircles the earth. Jörmungandr is the child of the god Loki and the jötunn Angrboða. Being Loki’s child made me think of a fun and mischievous snake, since Loki is the god of mischief.
This combination of the Year of the Snake, Jörmungandr, and mischief led to JöJö (pronounced Joe Joe), a mischievous and fun loving mascot for 2025. JöJö is the spirit animal we all need to help us find energy, creativity, and growth so that we can make positive transformations in 2025.
Revisiting Your Drawings
Oddly, the inspiration for the snake was from one of my own sketchnotes a couple of years ago. I created a sketchnote about St. Patrick's Day and really liked the snake that I drew for the piece. I liked the idea of a snake character with glasses, and still do.
I’m finally getting back into my drawing rhythm after taking two weeks off for the holidays.
Be kind to yourself on your creative journey.
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You have reached the end of the newsletter. Here is a clip of Tom Hiddleston, who plays Loki in the Marvel movies, talking to Variety about what he learned playing Loki.
Your snake reminds me so much of Pointdexter! 😎
I had forgotten about Poindexter. Yes, the snake does look like him and also a bit like rounded version of Dexter's glasses from Dexter's Lab.