I was watching the movie It’s a Wonderful Life recently, yes it’s one of those movies I watch every year at Christmas time. Around the same time I was talking to a friend about the importance of giving people their flowers while they are still alive. Both moments stayed with me longer than I expected. Deep, unexpected moments have a peculiar way of quietly settling into your thoughts. They then gently, yet firmly, prompt you to examine your own life.
It’s a Wonderful Life reminds us how much impact one life can have, even when the person living it feels unseen, tired, or unimportant. The conversation about giving people their flowers reminded me how often we wait; wait to say thank you, wait to express love, wait to acknowledge value, until it’s too late. Together, they created moments to pause for reflection. And sometimes, that pause is exactly what we need.
It’s New Year’s Eve. That strange, reflective space where the old year hasn’t quite ended and the new one hasn’t begun. On the cusp of a new year, we naturally look back, at what we did, what we didn’t do, who we were, and who we wish we had been. We also look forward, imagining what could make life better, lighter, more meaningful.
But here’s the uncomfortable question we don’t always like to ask ourselves: do we just talk about change, or do we actually make the change?
We are very good at talking. We talk about doing better, being better, choosing differently. We make lists, set intentions, whisper promises to ourselves in the quiet moments. But what happens when January comes and life feels the same? What are the ramifications of not making the change? Of staying stuck in patterns we know no longer serve us?
If we don’t change, we remain exactly where we are. The same habits. The same frustrations. The same regrets resurfacing year after year. Comfort can be deceptive, familiar, predictable, and quietly limiting. And yet, change requires courage. It asks us to confront ourselves honestly and to take responsibility for the life we are creating, or avoiding.
So do we just continue as we were before, hoping something magically shifts? Or do we choose to change, not perfectly, not all at once, but intentionally, for the better?
As we look toward 2026, the question becomes even more profound. What will it hold for us? Is it all predetermined, already written somewhere beyond our control? Or do we, through our decisions, small and large, give ourselves the chance to shape the life we truly want?
I believe life meets us where choice and courage intersect. We may not control everything that happens to us, but we do control how we respond. We control whether we speak love now or save it for later. Whether we remain silent or show up fully. Whether we keep postponing our happiness or finally give ourselves permission to pursue it.
A new year doesn’t automatically mean a new start. But a decision can.
So as the clock counts down and the year turns, maybe the real question isn’t what 2026 will bring, but who we are willing to become to meet it.
Here’s to giving flowers while we can.
Here’s to reflection that leads to action.
Here’s to a new start.
Happy New Year and all the best for 2026.
I genuinely want to know your thoughts, and I’m sure others do too. Feel free to comment 👍🏽, but if you’re not comfortable sharing, please reach out to me through any medium. I’d be thrilled if you could share something, anything, and let others know. Your comments help me understand your perspective and often present a completely different view on the topic. They could even inspire another blog. 😉 And you never know how your comment might benefit others. Remember, life is meant to be lived, and you should always strive to live your best life. #lifeisforliving #liveyourbestlife #gratefulforlife #faithgreaterthanfear
See you next Wednesday at 8:00 p.m., Bogotá time.