2024 was quite a year!
Is 2025 going to be a year of looking at your glass as “half empty” or “half full”? This metaphor is used to see how one views a situation. If one looks at the glass as half empty, the focus is on the negative. If one looks at the glass as half-full, the focus is on the positive. It is a simple concept, yet difficult to implement.
People are often nervous about checking whether their glass is half full or half empty. This can stem from a fear of confronting their mindset or reality. This metaphorical “glass” represents how people perceive their lives, situations, or prospects—whether with optimism (half full) or pessimism (half empty). This can especially be the case at the beginning of a new year.
Let’s start with January, the month of new beginnings and reflection. From a winter’s chill, with lots of frost, January typically kicks off with New Year’s Day, a time for fresh starts and setting bold goals and intentions. Along with our good intentions, we can often have the post-holiday blues. If you find yourself looking at the glass half empty, do something FUN! The Lehigh Valley has lots of fun things to do, some of which are listed here: Lehigh Valley Events | Festivals, Exhibits & Performances.
My personal favorites are (a) the Schisler & McMunn Planetarium; (b) the YMCA pool; (c) sitting dressed warmly outside in the sun; (d) connecting with a friend; and (e) reading (or listening to) a good book by a new author.
The Winter Chill
In January’s frosted breath,
A whispered promise conquers death.
The glass half full, a gleaming sight,
Reflects the year’s unyielding light.
Though winter grips with icy hands,
Hope like seeds beneath it stands.
Each snowflake falls, yet none remain—
Tomorrow’s warmth will melt the pain.
February is for celebrating love. February is all about warmth and connection, yet for some it can be a dark time. Valentine’s Day can often feel lonely or commercialized. If possible, shift focus from romantic love to another love—love of creation, the birds, or your pet. The good news is that it’s a short month, meaning spring is coming. Some of my favorite activities are (a) stargazing in the crisp, clear sky; (b) snowshoeing or tubing; (c) starting a new craft; (d) giving a Valentine to someone who is very nice to you; and (e) smiling and hugging yourself in the mirror!
Heart of Resilience
Short days and skies of muted hue,
Yet February’s heart beats through.
The glass half full, a steady flame,
Transforms the cold; life plays its game.
Though shadows stretch and tempests rise,
Find strength within, not in the skies.
For even love must face the chill,
And still it grows—unyielding will.
March is unpredictable (but so is life). It could come in like a lion or a lamb and go out either way. Spring feels very close but can be very slow to fully arrive. Check for those early signs of spring, talk to the birds, and feel the warming sun on a brisk windy day. I love to go out warmly dressed and just sit in the sun and listen to the earth awaken. Planning a new spring wardrobe, planting a flower garden, blowing bubbles, or even painting rocks can bring lots of smiles and a glass half full.
The Dawn of Bloom
In March, the earth begins to wake,
A timid step the seasons take.The glass half full, a sprouting seed,
Life whispers softly: All you need.
The winds may howl, the rains may fall,
Yet buds appear, defying all.
Embrace the storm; it clears the view,
The glass refills with drops anew.
So, I challenge everyone to keep a half glass of water in front of you! Bear in mind that we are not perfect, so your glass might not be full all the time. Have a blessed first quarter of 2025!
