Light Hearted

Happy New Year! May 2025 bring happiness, health, and new adventures your way. For me, January 2nd marked my return to work after a long and blissful Christmas break. It’s funny how quickly you get used to the comforts of holiday life—waking up whenever you please, enjoying a leisurely breakfast, catching up on TV, stepping out for dinner, and, most importantly, skipping the commute. Life slows down in the best way possible.

But like all good things, the holiday break had to come to an end. The night before, I felt that familiar pang of “back-to-work blues” creeping in. Alarms set, outfits chosen, lunch packed—it all seemed daunting after nearly two weeks of blissful idleness. The thought of waking up early, braving the cold, and diving back into the daily grind felt like a shock to the system.

Fortunately, 2025 started on a good note—a short work week! With January 2nd falling on a Thursday, the weekend wasn’t too far off. I shudder to think of how much harder it would have been if New Year’s Day had landed on a Sunday, forcing us back into full swing on a Monday. It’s the little mercies that make transitions like this manageable.

Walking into the office, I was greeted by an unexpected perk: an abundance of parking spaces. Some colleagues had opted to extend their holiday breaks, leaving the lot less crowded. I scored a spot right by the building, which meant no long walks in the freezing temperatures. A small victory, but one that made the morning slightly brighter.

Inside, the atmosphere was subdued but warm. A few “Happy New Year!” exchanges here and there set the tone for a laid-back day. The usual hustle was missing as the office slowly woke up from its holiday slumber. It was a perfect reintroduction to work—not too hectic, not too quiet.

As I settled into my desk, sipping on a hot coffee and going through emails, I realized something: while the first day back is tough, it’s also a clean slate. A chance to tackle the year with renewed energy, set goals, and carve out time for the things that truly matter.

So here’s to easing into 2025. Let’s give ourselves some grace, celebrate the small wins (like good parking spots and short weeks), and take it one day at a time. After all, every year comes with its challenges, but it also holds countless moments of joy, growth, and surprises waiting to unfold.

Cheers to a new year, new opportunities, and plenty of coffee to get us through the transition!