I am not entering this year
with clenched fists
or a list that must be conquered.
I am arriving
with open hands,
with breath before action,
with a willingness to listen.
This year, I begin again
not from urgency,
but from intention.
I begin mornings slowly:
tea warming my palms,
light finding its way in,
silence teaching me
what noise never could.
I begin work without overflow,
leaving room for pauses,
for creativity that wanders,
for rest that does not need to be earned.
I begin healing
without deadlines,
trusting that some things
bloom only when left unforced.
I begin movement gently,
honouring the body
that has carried me this far,
listening more
than I demand.
I begin differently now
choosing consistency over intensity,
presence over productivity,
depth over doing more.
I begin inwardly,
meeting myself as I am,
forgiving unfinished chapters,
making peace with imperfect days.
I am not starting over.
I am beginning again—
wiser, softer,
and aligned with the life
I am learning to live.
This poem was written in response to a prompt in the Write Bravely Writing Circle started by Corinne Rodrigues.
“I begin mornings slowly:
tea warming my palms,
light finding its way in,
silence teaching me
what noise never could.”
I love starting the day this way.
“I am not entering this year
with clenched fists”
Well, it didn’t start out that way. I have to keep reminding myself that it started out with one of my childhood dreams being spectacularly fulfilled, on a whim – a chance my husband was willing to take in order to make it happen. I have to keep unclenching my fists and my teeth – but beginning the morning in silence and light is a good start.
This is just the way we ought to live every single day. Beginning gently, honouring ourselves, and aligning with life instead of the other way around and fighting frustration when things don’t go the way we envisioned.
Love this poem, Sunita! So inspiring.
Beginning gently is such a beautiful thought, Sunita. I love the poem and the picture you chose for the post as well. It’s so soothing, your words and the picture.
I can almost borrow this poem as my intention for 2026. These are the exact things that I am looking forward to in 2026.
This is living bravely – so beautifully expressed, Sunita. May this wonderful beginning lead you to a year full of wonder and joy!