ANEW: People Need A Reason to Believe

Take a moment to reflect, regroup, and refocus on what lies ahead

Photo by David Becker on Unsplash

In my first year of teaching, I regularly made the long drive from my apartment just south of Hollywood to visit my girlfriend in Menlo Park, California. My vehicle of choice? A very used 1982 Toyota Tercel—a car built for the apocalypse and the long haul, much like the spirit of anyone daring to drive California’s Highway 5 through snow-capped passes and endless stretches of road.

I’d leave around 10 PM, after dinner, after work, and waiting for the LA traffic to die down, bundled up against the West Coast winter chill, headlights cutting through the darkness as I pushed toward my destination. Those overnight drives were a test of endurance, a reminder of how much ground could be covered with a little patience, determination, and a reliable car.

Today, I find myself on a different stretch of highway—this time, Pennsylvania’s Route 80. The clock says I’ll be home by 1:15 AM, a little under 600 miles and nearly eight hours away. It’s a different trip, but the feeling is familiar: the open road stretching before me, the hum of the tires beneath me, and the time to let my mind wander to what’s next.

As the new year has come, I’m reminded that every journey, literal or figurative, is about forward motion. The road has a way of giving you clarity if you let it. Sometimes I’ll listen to audiobooks, but on this late-night drive, I’m content with the rhythm of the road and the occasional stop to “get myself straight.” What does that mean? It means taking a moment to reflect, regroup, and refocus on what lies ahead. And pee…

The new year promises new opportunities—fresh starts, ambitious goals, and the chance to lean into the unknown with confidence. It’s a time to think about the legacy we want to build, the mark we want to leave on the world.

For me, it’s about staying grounded yet determined, much like a pitcher ready to throw the perfect pitch at the perfect time in the late innings. The closer. Not too high, not too low—just steady, deliberate progress.

As I drive, I remind myself: the journey isn’t about avoiding challenges but about finding the strength to face them head-on. It’s about trading limited visions for expansive possibilities, taking steps—however small—that bring us closer to something meaningful.

This year, I’m doubling down on that approach. I’m not looking back with regret or hesitation but looking forward with excitement for what’s to come. It’s not about the miles traveled but the resolve to keep moving toward something better.

So here’s to the road ahead, to leaving it all on the field, and to making this year one to remember. May it always be so.

Curated Listening:

At the start of my drive, I heard Jackson Browne’s “Running on Empty.” How perfect. Listen to Jackson HERE.