carry forward from last year
Q: What would you like to carry forward from last year—and why?
A: If I had to choose one thing to carry forward from last year, it would be equanimity.
It’s a big word, but to me, it simply means to keep your cool in tough situations. It’s like being a thermostat rather than a thermometer.
Last year was a lot. News and social media pushed us to be outraged and imagine the worst. This is how the media gets our attention. In those moments, reacting is often the easiest. Sometimes it feels like the only choice.
That's why equanimity is important. It’s the choice to pause. It's about emotional strength to step back and say, "I will not let this pull me under." It’s about creating space—space to breathe. Space to reflect on who you are and channel your best self to fight the urge to react.
I learned this from the people who shaped my years. I think of my late parents who nurtured my resilience. Or mentors with quiet, grounded wisdom who could see my true strength. I think of those we’ve lost over the years, whose legacy isn't their titles or wealth, but the quiet dignity they offered everyone around them.
To answer the question, I choose to carry equanimity forward. I do so because it allows me to see beyond my own stress and recognize our shared humanity. By practicing this steadiness, I hope to honor those who came before me and contribute to a thoughtful, kinder world—one small, caring decision at a time.