Contact us at: whispernthunder1@gmail.comNew Year, New Perspective
~ Crystal James
Hello my beautiful readers,
As the new year dawns, many of us feel the familiar pull to set goals, make resolutions, and chase the next big dream. It’s a rhythm we’ve been taught—start fresh, aim higher, do more.
But what if, this year, we didn’t?
What if, instead of sprinting toward new ambitions, we paused to reflect on how far we’ve already come? What if, instead of setting another benchmark, we allowed ourselves to feel pride in our journey?
This past month, I ran my first 5K. Or, at least, that’s what I thought I signed up for—it turned out to be 5 miles instead of 3.1. As I trudged along, a thought filtered through my mind: Did I do this because it was something I truly desired, or was it more along the lines of, "Do more, be better?"
It’s a mantra that seems to echo loudly as we enter a new year. And though I was proud of myself for finishing within a decent time, I didn’t allow myself that victory. Before I even crossed the finish line, I was already onto the next ambitious goal.
Now that the hustle and bustle have quieted, I’ve given myself time to reflect. And you know what? I’m jumping for joy because—I ran a 5K! Or rather, I ran 5 miles! That’s no small feat, yet I didn’t slow down long enough to soak in the accomplishment.
I started to think back further into my year, to all the little victories I had overlooked. The small hurdles I leaped, the big challenges I turned into lemonade. And again, I hadn’t given myself the love, kindness, or gratitude I deserved for simply getting through.
Does this sound familiar to you? How often do we breeze past our own triumphs, big or small, in our relentless pursuit of what’s next?
Life isn’t a race to be won or a checklist to complete. It’s a series of moments—some joyful, others challenging—all of which shape who we are. Yet, we often forget to savor those moments, consumed by the belief that contentment lies just beyond the next accomplishment.
But contentment isn’t out there. It’s right here, within reach, waiting for us to notice.
So, instead of rushing into this year with a list of must-dos and should-haves, let’s slow down. Let’s allow ourselves the grace to breathe, to be still, and to honor our resilience. Let’s remember that our worth isn’t defined by achievements, but by the simple, miraculous fact of our existence.
When was the last time you celebrated the quiet victories? The ones no one else sees—the courage to keep going, the strength to heal, the kindness you’ve shown to yourself and others?
This year, let’s choose gratitude over guilt, reflection over racing, and peace over perfection. Let’s bask in the light we already carry within.
Your journey is uniquely yours, and every step—no matter how small—matters. You don’t need to do more to be worthy of love, joy, or belonging. You already are.
So here’s to a year of slowing down, embracing the stillness, and rediscovering the beauty of simply being. Not as an escape, but as a return to ourselves.
Author Bio:
Crystal James is the newly appointed Community Liaison for Native American Connections (NAC), where she is tasked with building and strengthening relationships with community partners, supporting outreach initiatives, and improving access to resources for underserved populations. In this capacity, she plays a key role in ensuring that communities receive the support they need to thrive, bridging gaps in service delivery while fostering collaboration across organizations and agencies.
With over a decade of experience across diverse fields, including manufacturing, legal, safety compliance, solar energy, human resources, and crisis work, Crystal brings a well-rounded skill set to her professional endeavors. Her background as a suicide crisis counselor has further honed her ability to provide compassionate support and navigate high-stakes situations with care and understanding. Her academic foundation in Legal Studies informs her approach to both her professional roles and volunteer work, allowing her to address complex issues with a solution-oriented mindset.
In addition to her professional experience, Crystal serves on the boards of Eve’s Place, a non-profit focused on educational awareness around domestic violence and sexual assault, and the Minnesota Indigenous Women’s Sexual Assault Coalition (MIWSAC), advocating for tribal communities nationwide. Her commitment to service extends to community volunteerism, particularly in tribal communities, where she focuses on raising awareness, providing resources, and supporting individuals affected by domestic violence and sexual assault.