Reflections
As the year begins to draw to a close, a simple afternoon walk stirred something in me. Watching the goats climb, play and pause in the fading light reminded me of a few things I don’t want to forget as we move forward. I felt moved to write this and I trust you enjoy as much as I did the moment
As the sun begins to set on 2025 and our afternoon walk draws to a close, we find ourselves pausing — not in stillness, but captured in wonder. The goats in Goat Mountain catch our eye, as they often do.
They have long captured our hearts.
Get Pam Ahern’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
Perched on the rocks they’ve climbed, higher and higher, their sure-footed steps tracing a language older than words. Scarlet glances our way, then scans the eastern horizon. Bjorn tussles with Fect, while wise little PP quietly holds her place. Together they remind us there is more than one way to see the world.
More than one path towards the light.
From their rocky vantage point, they teach us humility, that our view is only one among many and that wisdom grows when we listen as much as we speak. They lock horns in play and part as friends, showing us that even in our moments of friction, connection can follow.
We cherish these moments watching the goats. They show us what to do when the world becomes too loud. To rise above the noise, seek higher ground and trust the strength of our footing. They remind us that our thoughts become lanterns. And that kindness, whether spoken or shown, is light enough to guide us through any darkening sky.
If this year has taught us anything, it is that compassion doesn’t wait for perfect conditions to bloom. Often, it grows strongest in the most unlikely places: on the steep slopes, in the fading light, between hearts that choose compromise over division.
We already hold within us the tools to build a gentler tomorrow. The only question that remains is whether we are willing to build it.
