Hopeful Beginnings

 Arsenal played Manchester City in the Premier League on New Year's and lost 1-2. The game, however, was beauty and this Arsenal looked full of light today and for the future. I watched the game with my friends as they all stayed up waiting for sunrise - the game was at 6:30 am in Mexico. I think this game set the tone for the year.

Last year, I confronted and sweeped away many of my fears in so many areas of life. I feel more like myself since I began that quest and I even came out to myself again in September. This year, I have a lot of hope of what will flourish in the space that fear left behind.

For the first time in years, Arsenal played Man City and I allowed myself to feel hopeful. It was a small flame to kindle, and I felt it before, during, and after the game. Even after Arsenal lost, it was just so clear the journey is moving through the right path. With that in mind, how things go today barely even matter. I did not feel like I needed to extinguish my own flame to avoid disappointment - the hope is about the journey, and one result will not change that track. About myself and about Arsenal. 

And also - Arsenal played really damn well.