Exciting times indeed: a new year is here which means twelve months ahead of writing, twelve months of empty blank pages to fill in with my words, twelve months of sharing my life experiences and my humble pieces of advice. As I was wrapping 2025, relishing the successful year of blogging, embracing the messages of support and encouragement to keep writing, I felt the power of new possibilities, the satisfaction of coming up with genius ideas, the excitement of exploring unknown literary paths. Time will fly, so I have decided not to rush my first blog post of 2026, to take my time to play around with words, to savour the joy of pottering around at my own pace. Will see how I get on, hopefully pressure will not kick in as the end of January approaches. It is great to have a blank canvas available for me to cover with my brush-strokes of inspiration, wittiness and literacy creativity.
…despite the cold narcissus will gift us rays of colour…
What can I say, it is a miserable, wet, windy, dark, dull, rainy, overcast, cold, and damp evening here in South West Wicklow (it sounds better than South East Kildare actually), as County Wicklow is renowned for being the Garden of Ireland, its green hills, its abundant and lush flora, its uncountable streams, no words can describe the beauty of its blooms or the power of its scenery. Our courtyard garden is still dormant though, not much happening out there yet, very uninviting at the moment, one prefers the comfort and warmth from sitting indoors. Thankfully, Imbloc is just round the corner, it will bring longer days, a bit more of sunshine or not, and a promise of daffodils offering an array of yellow and white (my favourites) flowers, well worth stepping out with a mug in hand to admire them, as despite the cold narcissus will gift us rays of colour.
My usual cupán tae, the candle flickering away timidly trying to brighten up the place, classical music in the background, and of course, the Chief Superintendent Smudge the cat deeply sleeping next to me, delighted with herself after being fed, enjoying the heat in the room, and too tired to look at me, after doing nothing all day. Better get down to business, before she gives me one of her looks of complete disapproval, lol!
Be brave, a cúpla focal (a couple of words) I am sure I have mentioned in plenty of my writing endeavors over the years, but they have never been awarded with a blog post, it is well due! I still remember when I went to the cinema with my mom and our neighbour, off we went, the three women, to cinema with no other expectations than good company and laughter. Who would have thought that “Brave” from Pixar would have had such an impact on my life at the time (still does); who would have said to me that the film would have open the pandora’s box of questioning my destiny (and still does); who would have imagined that the redhaired princess would have influenced my years to come (and of course, still does) ; to the point of being bold enough to call myself Merida (I still do, lol). As the Scottish princess said, “our fate lives within us, you only have to be brave enough to see it “. Let’s be brave…
…Be brave, and dare to find your inner Merida…
Not sure if it is the safety of our comfort zone, or the fear of the unknown away from our surroundings, or the lack of self-confidence to think outside the box, or somehow a mixture of the three, that firmly holds us back from being brave. One needs to make a massive effort to step out of the safe area. Why would you leave your cozy life just to be brave and discover new possibilities? Many would tell you not to embark on such a crazy adventure predestined to fail (some did). Many would easily jump to forecast it as the biggest mistake you have ever made (and some did). Many would simply say that you have lost your mind (and of course, some did). One needs to gather a huge dose of faith to dive into unfamiliar waters. Why would you cross over the bridge to unexplored lands and learn from fresh approaches? Many would warn you of the dangers awaiting you on the other side. Many would encourage you to change your mind before it is too late. Many would accuse you of being too bold. One needs to value themselves to be able to be unconventional. Many would dare to judge you simply for giving it a go. Many would point at you as if you were the black sheep of the family. Many would run to conclude you are psychologically unstable. Ignore them all and be brave!
Through the years, I have learned that it is good for you to leave your comfort spot and set foot on new adventures. It is invigorating to step into Princess Merida’s pair of shoes and realise that you can actually be whoever you want to become, that you can do whatever you want to achieve, that you can go wherever you want to head to. It is exciting to dress into Princess Merida’s outfit and realise that you easily follow your heart, that you can clearly pursue your ambitions, that you can certainly chase your aspirations. It is empowering to grab Princess Merida’s bow and arrow and surprise yourself by firing to hit your goals, by hitting the bullseye of your plans, by shooting to reach the stars and why not the moon too. It is in your hands to be brave enough to see your path…
…It is in your hands to be brave enough to see your path…
Be brave, and dare to find your inner Merida! Be bold, and challenge yourself! Be naughty, and defy your destiny! You will definitely not regret it!!! It does not have to be something exceptional, glamorous or a big achievement; it can be something ordinary, mundane, or a small step. Come on, be brave and get yourself that piece of clothing you have been thinking off but the mere fact of what others will say has been putting you off; book yourself an appointment with the hairdresser and ask her to dye your hair in that colour you have been postponing because of the fear what others will comment on; walk into the Disney Store and buy yourself that lovely mug you have been delaying to purchase, thinking everyone will say you are too old for that; do not wait any longer to treat yourself to a delicious piece of cake as you are concerned what others may comment on your weight; do not procrastinate joining a gym as you panic about others judging your body; do not defer setting up a profile on a dating site because others may think it is too soon after your divorce. Be brave, and dare to be inspired by Merida!
Be brave, listen to yourself, and ignore what others may say, my judge, may critice… because at the end of the day, it is truly your life, and as far as I know, you only have one!
Jay Cee Moon ©
Jaycee Moon 