The Closing of a Year: A Time to Reflect and Reconnect with Nature

The cusp between the end of one year and the beginning of the next is a unique moment—full of contrasts and possibilities. It invites us to embrace a little dialectical thinking.

On one hand, the close of the year brings reflection: the accomplishments we’ve celebrated, the friendships we’ve formed, and the peace of knowing we were in the right place at the right time. Yet, it can also stir feelings of regret—projects left unfinished, people we didn’t spend enough time with, places still unseen.

Similarly, the start of a new year can spark excitement for what lies ahead—fresh projects, new adventures, and interests waiting to be explored. But it can also feel daunting, with the weight of uncertainty and the familiar refrain: “too much to do, too little time.”

Often, it’s a bittersweet mix of all these emotions. And that’s exactly why this season is my favorite time to get outdoors. With trees bare and temperatures cool, the air feels lighter, and the views stretch farther. Where summer’s lush foliage once enclosed us, winter opens the sky. I’ve always loved the saying: “Summer is for surrendering; winter is for wondering.” For me, it couldn’t be more true.

So, I take my reflections—and my hopes—and head into the parks to wander and wonder. It’s the perfect way to rediscover the beauty of South Carolina’s landscapes.

If you’re a beach lover, now’s the time to trade your swimsuit for hiking boots. We’ve got trails from the mountains to the sea, and you can join us for one of our First Day Hikes, an initiative started by America’s State Parks and embraced nationwide. It’s a chance to start the year with fresh air, open trails, and a renewed sense of possibility. Layer up, grab a friend, and a pair of binoculars or a camera. And if you want to go the extra step, book a cabin where you can cozy up by a crackling fire and reflect on your day’s adventures. Parks are waiting and are great places to END and BEGIN your year!

JER

December 2025