Keeping with my now 9 year tradition of theming years, I present 2018 as:

The Year of Genesis

Change is the only constant in life. And with change comes the potential for new beginnings and new creations. Our world is changing at an accelerating pace. From re-shufflings of the world order to the rise of gene-editing and Artificial Intelligence , from shocks to democracies, and the near total embrace of social media. Our society and lived experience in society will continue to undergo metamorphoses for years to come. With these changes, come opportunity, and with opportunity, a chance to not only discover ourselves, but create ourselves as well. 

Genesis. An antiquated sounding word meaning origin or coming into being. Genesis represents beginnings, possibility, and the promise of creation. As we embark on a new year with many unknowns ahead and one known in tow - change, we should not be afraid to embrace this constant in life. Let us paint on blank canvases our new ideas, new creations, and fresh dreams and aspirations. In the concrete sense, the Year of Genesis could mean rekindling a long lost passion, learning a new hobby or skill, or starting the year afresh with radical new goals and missions in hand. 

As we journey through 2018, surrounded by change, turbulence, and possibility, we should be conscious of the futures we are building. For beautiful moments of Genesis are everywhere, and it is up to us to seize the opportunity, to not be afraid to create, and in the process become our best selves.   

Happy New Year’s Everyone! 

2018 Theme Image: The Nebula 

Fitting with theme of Genesis, the image for this year is the Helix Nebula.

Nebulas are massive interstellar clouds of dusts and gas that serve as the building blocks for stars and planets. As raw materials of the universe's most majestic objects, nebulas represent the beauty in Genesis and the potential for creation of the awe-inspiring.