Photo Journey: Golden Hour ☀️

One of the things I love most about golden hour is how, even if it’s just for a moment, time seems to slow down. It’s usually then that I can finally quiet the noise in my head and think clearly. Once in a blue moon, that moment brings a big epiphany about how to make my life better, how to be happier. But more often, it’s just a pause. A chance to catch my breath, look around, and remember that the world is beautiful, and everything is going to be alright.

It turns out that golden hour is a symbol of new beginnings. My birthday just passed, so it feels like the perfect time for an extended golden hour reflection on what I want this year to look like—and what I can do to help myself be a little happier.

I will not be deterred from my routine—the rhythm I’ve set for my life. People have told me I can be too robotic, too tied to the checklists and scheduled tasks I set for myself. But the truth is, it keeps me happy. So rather than give in to the “chaos” of spontaneity that some people thrive on, I’ll stick with what brings me peace of mind.

I will slow down. I live my life under a constant onslaught of too many projects and (mostly) self-imposed, oppressive deadlines. As a result, the things I love doing usually get pushed aside and often don’t happen. I need to spend more time with my loved ones. I need to fish more, take more time to meditate and exercise, and watch more movies. I don’t want to look back at the end of my life and wish I had prioritized the moments that were really important.

I will let the light overtake the dark. As I’ve probably written about a little too much here, the last couple of years have been rough. It’s easy to get stuck in those funks and lose hope. But I will not lose hope anymore. I will trust that all the effort will be worth it, and that I will see the other side of this difficult period in my life.

I will not give up on the lofty path I’ve set myself on. I’ve chased dreams my entire life, and as I get older, I’m constantly rattled by thoughts of doing something more “practical.” But there’s a reason I’ve come this far down this road. I will trust that there’s a beautiful landing spot at the end of this journey and, more importantly, remind myself that enjoying the journey is what matters most.

Finally, I will take time to enjoy more golden hours. I will be grateful for the moments where time stands still. I will enjoy the time spent just observing and try to carry the reminder that the world is a beautiful place with me into the rest of my life.