River

In 2024 my word of year has been RIVER, and just as my 2024 vision board anticipated, it has been a story told of a river that flowed.

I chose river because I needed to, in faith, trust the journey, even when I couldn’t see beyond the next bend. I chose river, because just like in the wild, rivers are where all of the local tributaries and streams, aka pieces and parts, come together to flow together in unison, in a common direction. I chose river because I needed the reminder that like river, we are always flowing@in a known direction; even when low, frozen or when debris falls. I chose river to remind myself that things will get rocky and rapid, but to be brave and ride the wave. I chose river in hopes that in due time this river would lead to bigger waters.

It’s been beautiful and powerful to see how this #oneword has come to life over the last year…

A new year’s walk by the river on a loop that became my go-to path each time I go out for a walk.

The river of tears I cried during my daughter’s senior year.

A daughter who now crosses the Delaware River, just like George Washington, on her way to university

An inaugural Bird & Bear CAMP that kicked off with coffee by the river.

The song, River, by Sam Garrett that has become one of my favorites.

A 2024 Olympics that gathered the globe on the Seine.

A family camping + tubing adventure down the Saco.

I’m sure I’ll think of others…

I often get sad when it’s time to say goodbye to my word, but I know this one, like all the others will be coming with me into the new year ahead.

Thank you all so much for being a part of this brave and beautiful 2024 story told of a river that flowed.

Happy New Year Birds & Bears!