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Happy New Year, Go Local readers!
I am not one for putting all my eggs in the basket off, “New Year, new me,” with each mark of our trip around the sun, but I at least can admit the turn of the yearly calendar is always a good reflection point amidst the pace of everyday life in these modern times.
As I reflect on this year a lot has changed for me personally, most notably I got married in May to my high school sweetheart. Because we have been together for so long the day was literally years in the making and finally the timing was perfect in 2025 for us to tie the knot.
Our perfect day had far from perfect weather, as a nasty rainstorm was ongoing into our reception and the cold temperatures for a May 31 date was not ideal for everyone attending the outdoor spring wedding. Still, there was not a single moment from the day and evening that was ruined because of it thanks to a collective positive spirit among our loved ones as we all gathered snugly under our venue’s outdoor pavilion.
The experience brought to the front of mind a cliché saying but a true one at that, based from life experiences: you get the most out of what you make of things. This attitude can be taken for so many different facets of life whether it’s about your job, a trip, spending time with friends or family.
I have also been able to reflect on my now four years spent with Reminder Publishing.
When I started I definitely felt the effects of imposter syndrome. As someone who came from a background in news built up through sports reporting, the new opportunity quickly became another educational one for me, akin to another college experience.
I felt overwhelmed at times adjusting to general news coverage but wanted to see through my career efforts of becoming a reporter and stuck with it. Now four years in, I still have my moments of second guessing myself, but thanks to allowing myself to become immersed in the work and leaning on and learning from my Reminder colleagues, I am at a point now where I see and feel the growth in my own abilities, and have even now expanded as an editor for our beloved Go Local magazine.
Building a good foundation is the key to getting better at anything. Approaching things with that in mind helps you stay in control of your day-to-day life as you look to get the most out of what you are looking for in this world. The start of the new year is the perfect time to change habits and get yourself on a new track that works best for the individual, but most importantly much of life is about continuing to add the building blocks necessary to keep growing as a person and making the most of our time here, regardless of the calendar.
To kick off the new year this month, Go Local highlights three businesses that have also laid down their own building blocks in order to reach their current status: R. Michelson Galleries, a growing hub for fine art and children’s book illustrations in the region; CT Book Club, a mobile book club and seller expanding the joy of reading in the region; and Enfield’s Kil’N It Pottery Studio & Tipsy Paint Brush, a mother-daughter-run business that continues to grow in thanks to its unique event offerings.
Happy New Year,
Trent Levakis, Editor