New Wine. New Wineskins: Hope for 2017

Scripture tells us that, "no one puts new wine into old wineskins." As I lay here this morning mentally revving myself up for a new day/month/year ahead, a sense of peace and excitement has come over me. Like every year that's come before it, 2016 had it's moments where my heart was bursting with happiness and moments where there was intense despair. But that's an old wineskin now. As I look to the year ahead and began to revise my personal/phyisical/career goals, I am aware that 2017 will likely follow a similar emotional trajectory. However, I wake up this morning with a sense of unbridled optimism of what lies ahead in the next 362 days. During a game in HS where my passion was running high, Coach "Rock" Eisenberg, put his arm around me and said "always remember to find joy in other people's success..."

2017 will bring the joys of my brother Jeremy and his wife Tasha doing the coolest thing that human beings can do as a species and delivering the next generation of Louisons to planet Earth. My mom, Madi (aka Tadlyn Madeline) will retire as a teacher from the NYC Board of Education after 30 years inspiring, loving, and praying for tens of thousands of students in Brooklyn. My sister Sarah will graduate from college and will take the first steps on her journey to deliver her talents to a hungry world. My grandmother Nieves and my aunt Leda will celebrate milestone birthdays (but you won't believe me if I told you what "vintage" they are). Close friends, David and Erica will become one as we celebrate their forthcoming nuptials. In a few short weeks, I will seal chapter 30 of my life's book and begin chapter 31 (I'll also be announcing a special project for my birthday so stay tuned). You already know, I'm planning to place my feet on new lands across the world. I'm hopeful for surprises (engagement, pregnancy announcements, promotions etc.) that will come along our journey together. I'm beyond excited to share these experiences with you and I'll undoubtedly be there, with drink(s) in hand, to celebrate your many successes!

I watched food documentaries all weekend and one of the biggest takeaways was that all of these world renown chefs place the utmost importance on sourcing the right produce to make the most flavorful food. Nutrient rich soil will produce the most flavorful grape. So you see, it's about doing the small things right. Today I am sowing positive seeds into the universe's soil to harvest some aromatic wine that abounds in flavor and I've got my brand new 2017 wineskin ready to go!!

Comment in this thread all the positive things (i.e. new wine) that you want to declare for 2017 (i.e. put into your new wineskin). After all, it's about finding joy in other people's success... ✌🏾❤