The magic a new year brings
There’s something magical about the beginning of the year. After spending the last few weeks of the year lamenting on all that transpired the year before, we set out on a quest to achieve our previously unachievable dreams. With the turn of the clock, our ambitions grab the nearest road bike and start pedaling toward the horizon. In reality, the only thing that changed is the date on the calendar. But there really is something bigger worth acknowledging.
This year in particular feels special to me. The number 22 has played a significant role in my life, starting with the day I was born, April 22, 1980.
Being born on the 22nd is a bit of a family tradition. My mother and sister are both born on the 22nd day of different months. My brother, who was notorious about forgetting birthdays, used to joke that he would just call us all on the 22nd of every month, just to be safe.
Throughout my life the number 22 popped up, but not in any noteworthy ways. About five years ago that all changed. Then it seemed to be everywhere I looked and in ways that almost felt surreal.
If you look at numerology, you’ll learn that the number 22 is very significant. It’s what’s called a “Master Builder.” According to my very scientific research of Googling and using the first few articles, that means the number 22 “channels cosmic wisdom down to Earth and uses it to turn incredible dreams into reality.”
If you feel so inclined, CLICK HERE to read one of the articles I’ve referenced.
Over the last year I’ve read a lot of similar articles. Largely because I was navigating my way down a new and scary path. Looking for signs you’re making the right choice seems to come with the territory of making a big life decision. Let me tell you, I found so many signs telling me I was doing the right thing. Of course I realize I was having a conversation with myself about my decision, but there is something pretty magical about thinking the universe is giving you its blessing to move forward.
Such is the case for our beginning of the year routine. Rather than fighting it, I’m leaning in. It’s the year of 22 and I’m going to jump on that metaphorical bike and ride it all the way to wherever the hell the universe wants to take me.
Staying on brand, you can join me on Saturday, January 22, for a special exploration thanks to the Capitol Park Museum. The ride will begin at 9:30 a.m. outside the museum. From there we will ride through downtown and to the Old South neighborhood to explore the locations featured in “The Yellow Book” exhibition.
The exhibition shares the work of photographer Johanna Warwick, who I have unknowingly interacted with on many occasions because we are neighbors. She lives down the street from me and we both go out on walks in the neighborhood.
Johanna is not from Baton Rouge, so she is seeing things through a fresh lens, literally. With her camera in hand, she has set out to spotlight the impact the elevated interstate system has had on urban communities, particularly African American neighborhoods. Baton Rouge is just one of over a hundred neighborhoods throughout the United States she plans to document.
That ride will be the first of what I hope will be many more collaborations with the Capitol Park Museum exhibitions. It all began last year with the Green Book rides. The goal is to continue that on with each passing exhibit.
Also, get ready for some big announcements from Bike Baton Rouge! There will be something very notable related to the Downtown East Social Ride that will be announced at a public meeting they are holding on Tuesday, January 11 at Cypress Coast Brewing on Government Street.
So, that’s your first taste of what’s to come in 2022. It’s just an appetizer, I promise there’s so much more. Until then, cheers to you and always remember to enjoy the ride.
