As the holiday season approaches, we find ourselves in a period of celebration but also reflection. I look back on the year gone by, consider what went well, what didn’t, and, most importantly, who I became in the process.
For some, it’s also the season of resolutions—promises we make to ourselves to align better with the person we aspire to be, our authentic self. In this moment of introspection, with the onset of Artificial Intelligence, let’s explore the analogy drawn from the digital world, one that might just inspire a purposeful shift in how we approach 2025.
Computer programmers live in the world of binary code, a language built on 1s and 0s. At its core, this binary system represents the states of “true” (1) and “false” (0). This simplicity—a foundation of every complex system we use today—can be a powerful metaphor for our own choices. The following question is perhaps a slight oversimplification.
Are we choosing to act in alignment with truth, integrity, and the greater good? = 1
Or are we merely doing what we can get away with, skirting responsibilities, or compromising values? = 0
This question—to be a 1 or a 0—is deeply relevant not only to our individual lives but also to our relationship with others and with the planet. As we find ourselves living in a world increasingly defined by crises—climate, societal, and personal—the need for truth and alignment has never been greater.
Crises rarely occur in isolation. Climate, societal, and personal challenges intersect, amplifying their impacts. In this a world, truth and alignment provide clarity and direction. By consistently choosing to be a “1,” we contribute to solutions that are holistic, sustainable, and grounded in shared values. The stakes are higher than ever and acting in alignment with truth is not just a personal decision but a contribution to the collective effort of addressing these interconnected crises and creating a better balanced future for ourselves, others, and the planet.
Rebalancing with Self
Choosing to be a 1 starts with yourself. It means living authentically, embracing who you are, and acting in alignment with your values. It’s easy to fall into patterns of convenience, to stay with the known, to mask discomfort with distractions and change, or to compromise on what truly matters. But these “0” choices leave us feeling unfulfilled and disconnected. As the year ends, I ask myself: Are my actions true to who I am and who I want to become? Or am I simply settling for what I’m used to and is easy?
Increasingly I’m trying to prioritise my health, but after a hard day’s work my evenings may be spent mindlessly in front of a Netflix movie. Choosing to be a “1” means swapping this habit for a short walk outside in nature, or preparing a healthy meal, even when it feels inconvenient or unfamiliar. It’s a small shift that aligns with my value of well-being and moves me closer to the person I want to become.
Change is often uncomfortable because it disrupts the ease of routine. However, embracing these small, intentional actions reflects a commitment to growth and authenticity, demonstrating that you’re not just settling for what’s easy but actively choosing to align with your higher self.
Rebalancing with Others
Relationships thrive on authenticity and trust. Being a 1 in my relationships means showing up with honesty, truthfulness and respect, even when it’s challenging. It’s about choosing connection over convenience, generosity over indifference. During this season of togetherness, I’m reflecting on whether my interactions are grounded in truth and compassion or whether they’re superficial, driven by obligation or self-interest.
Rebalancing with the Planet
On a broader scale, the question of being a 1 or a 0 carries important implications for our relationship with Mother Earth. The choices I make daily—if and how I consume, what I prioritise, how I advocate for change—define whether I act as steward of the planet or as an exploiter. As we give thanks and celebrate the abundance of the season, let’s also give thanks and celebrate the planet that sustains us.
The holiday season: a time to recode
The beauty of the holiday season lies in its symbolism. It’s a time of endings and beginnings, a chance to reset and realign. Much like a programmer debugging code, I look at the past year, identify where I’ve fallen into “0” patterns, and consciously rewrite my “program” to align with my highest truths.
The process doesn’t have to be very sophisticated. Sometimes, being a 1 means making small, consistent choices to show up better—for myself, for others, and for the planet. It might mean choosing gratitude over complaint, action over apathy, or honesty over comfort.
During holiday celebrations of a few years ago, tensions ran high at the family table about the abundance of gifts under the Christmas tree. At first I found myself retreating into silence, as I wasn’t an active participant in this conflict. It was easier to stay quiet—a classic “0” pattern—than to risk conflict or try to shift the mood.
The following year, I decided to approach things differently and show up as a “1”—true to my values and contributing to a positive atmosphere. I made a conscious choice to focus on gratitude and connection rather than avoidance. When conversations started to turn tense, I gently redirected them, asking everyone whether a packed contribution to an NGO of choice would strike a good balance between having gifts underneath the tree and doing the right thing. Laughter replaced the arguments, and for the first time in a while, it felt like we were truly enjoying each other’s company.
The shift wasn’t dramatic, but it was intentional. By choosing gratitude and action over apathy, I rewrote my “program” for the holidays. And in doing so, I realized that being a “1” isn’t about perfection—it’s about making small, consistent choices that align with the person I want to be, for myself and those around me.
So, as we have past the winter solstice and the days are gradually becoming longer, my invitation to you this holiday season is, to take a moment to ask yourself: Am I being a 1 or a 0? Am I living in alignment with truth, or am I telling myself stories, convince myself that doing what I did is perfectly alright and I can continue doing what I can get away with? I invite you to let your heart be touched by this binary simplicity. Perhaps it will inspire you to step in instead of stepping back when things get difficult. It may inspire you to choose integrity over indifference, alignment over convenience, and community and connection over individuality and isolation.
The world, your loved ones, and your own soul are yearning for the truth of who you are. Will you choose to be a 1?
Wishing you heartwarming, happy and joyful holidays and a healthy, inspiring 2025.
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