Momentum
Every New Year Brings A Burst of Energy.
Momentum is a subtle force that can cause havoc—a disturbance to our peace—yet also raise the bar of our successes and bring joy to what we’ve triumphed over. Momentum cannot be judged; it is fostered through energy in motion. We are often blinded by the force of its impact, realizing too late what we are actually experiencing.
I can’t remember how I slipped into this unfocused state of mind. I was doing the dishes, feeling grateful, and suddenly I was deep into a Netflix binge—2 a.m. before I noticed.
I had planned to connect with my body, to focus on yoga and Pilates. I’ve even committed to two memberships, yet I’ve made no effort to begin.
Whether it’s a mood swing, an act of generosity, supporting a friend or neighbor, shopping online or at the grocery store, working on an art project, going to the gym, writing, or scrolling social media—momentum loves peer pressure and co-signers. It partners easily with addiction and muddled desires, subtly pulling us into that “gone without noticing” state of being.
On the other hand, momentum can be generous and charitable. It sparks creativity, forms habits—both good and bad—and supports healing. The same force that can knock us off our beam can also align our heart and mind.
Momentum doesn’t ask what we need; it only asks whether we stopped long enough to listen. We crave momentum—an energy packed with good intention. We thrive when supported by conscientious momentum, and we suffer when we forget to pause and listen.
Every New Year brings a burst of energy. We attach ourselves to the hype of something new: new beginnings, new ideas, new habits, new ways of being—eating, sleeping, reading, exercising. It’s a chance to be better than last year.
But is it really so new? It’s just a day. How is New Year’s Day momentum any different from Flag Day on the calendar? I get it—go with it. Whatever we need to jump-start ourselves toward doing better.
How do we ensure the continuity of momentum? After the first 90 days—maybe even after 30—there’s a slope, a break, a disruption. Life shows up. Where do we find momentum within ourselves when the well runs dry?
It starts now.
A day.
A time.
A morning.
An afternoon.
Move.
I am the momentum.
I am the new year.
I am an overachiever.
I am committed.
I am challenged.
I am complicated.
I am chaos.
I am happiness.
I am intuitive.
I am ready—every day.
All is momentum.
What part of your momentum are you willing to change, redirect, or explore?
The beauty of momentum is that it does not judge. It is a building force of natural energy—an intangible gift we can give ourselves. When we grow, others grow.
We are not momentum all the time.
We are the source it passes through.
When we pause, momentum pauses.
When we listen, momentum recalibrates.
When we act with intention, momentum follows.
That’s not philosophy—that’s lived wisdom.
Momentum isn’t who we are.
It’s what moves when we do.
Such a wonderful reflection. Im grateful for your honesty. I love to feel how momentum doesn't come from me. When I yield, the life force wields me as it will... thank you for sharing!
I never really took the time to think of momentum like this! I resonate with your insights and articulation, like: "Momentum doesn’t ask what we need; it only asks whether we stopped long enough to listen."
I also am appreciating, just right now, when I move from pure "habit" or "obligation" instead of from the energy of Life itself, true momentum. How to discern if a habit or relationship that once was engendered and sustained by its own momentum ... and clinging to the shell of what used to be life giving ... to how to "follow the energy" in this moment, which may require leaving something behind.
Thanks for sparking these investigations. Keep it up! :)