An inspirational story to kick off your New Year.

Once upon a time I was in a foreign country. With no money, credit cards, passport, papers, phone. Because all that was in my traveling partner’s backpack and we’d had a fight and he had stormed off to who knows where.

I was literally alone in a foreign country with absolutely nothing besides the clothes I was wearing. Not even very warm clothes. Jeans, a T-shirt, and Skechers.

What did I do?

At first I felt like sitting down on the dirty cobblestones of the street and crying.

Then I realized I might be in Dublin only once in my lifetime. And it was a gloriously beautiful day.

I went to St. James Park, wandered some paths and watched some swans, then (discretely) joined a paid walking history tour.

I went to a couple of museums (museums are free in much of Europe).

I went into a pub to pee, and when a table full of robust young men singing songs found out I was American they bought me a pint, no strings attached.

In other words, I managed to have an absolutely delightful day.

Life is what you make of it.

Hi, my name is Catherine, and I am a badass.

Now it’s your turn. What will you make of 2025? Stand up and say it loud! “Hi, my name is __________, and I am a badass!”