Even though they lost all of the contests, all of them performed great feats unachievable by mortal men. Loki was competing against the fire itself (Logi – ‘fire’ in Old Norse), but nonetheless he was consuming his food nearly as fast. Thialfi raced against thought itself (Hugi – ‘thought’ in Old Norse), and despite that still made it half way to finish line. The other end of the drinking horn from the feasting contest was connected to the sea, and Thor drank a good half of it before setting the horn down greatly scaring the giants that he would drain it whole. Even the cat was no ordinary pet but the World Serpent in disguise, and Thor still managed to lift part of it in the sky over the already depleted sea. As for the final challenge, the elderly woman was aging itself (Elli – ‘age’ in Old Norse) and Thor took an eternity to be defeated by it.
So no matter how you think you did in 2023 I am here to tell you, you have preformed great feats. I do not know what 2024 will bring you, bring me, or bring the world but I know we all we continue to perform great feats. In this time of reflection know you are amazing and wonderful. I hope you have a good 2023.
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New Years Eve 2023
by Dreaming Ace
On this New Year’s Eve
As you reflect on your past year
Remember, the Utgarda-Loki tale
The challenges you have faced
The moments you feel you have failed
The “throw away the plan” days
Were days you faced off against fire
Or raced thought itself or consumed the Ocean
Were days you were succeeding
Succeeding even if you didn’t know it
Even if you didn’t see it or feel it at the time
Succeeding even if you didn’t know it
If you are currently alive
You have succeeded in 2023
You will succeed in 2024
No matter how drained
No matter how deeply tired
No matter how lost you were
If you are currently alive
You have succeeded in 2023
You will succeed in 2024
Succeeding even if you don’t know it
Even if you didn’t see it or feel it at the time
Succeeding even if you don’t know it
On this New Year’s Eve
As you reflect on your past year
Remember, the Utgarda-Loki tale
The challenges you have faced
The moments you feel you have failed
The “throw away the plan” days
Were days you faced off against fire
Or raced thought itself or consumed the Ocean
Were days you were succeeding
