We could say that, 
depending on our political beliefs,
beliefs about climate emergency,
relationships to inequity,
inner and outer resources,
and what comes our way,
our 2025 theme –
the quality of heart and mind
we’ll be working with and cultivating -
is a forgone conclusion.

But what if we don’t say that?
What if we chose our theme,
intentionally and regardless?
Decide that this year our theme will be
patience, for example,
or connection, or enough-ness?

What if each of us takes some time,
and some breaths,
and looks inside at whatever it is that we value,
and want to work with, and work on,
and then chooses that as our theme for the new year,
no matter what comes our way?