“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language. And next year’s words await another voice.” — T.S. Eliot

Another year is upon us. Isn’t it amazing?

It feels like just yesterday that I was embarking on 2018 and preparing to launch I’ve Been Thinking… into the world. At the time, I had no idea how the book would be received or whether people would enjoy reading it. I have to admit I was even a little scared. But today, I am able to look back on this past year in awe and with deep, deep gratitude.

I loved being on the road this past year meeting so many of you at book events. I also enjoyed meeting you at our Move for Minds events benefiting The Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement, through my work at NBC News, and through my work with my daughter Christina talking about our Netflix film “Take Your Pills.” Being on the road throughout 2018 was inspiring and invigorating. Why? Because it gave me a chance to meet so many of you, our Sunday Paper readers.

You, the members of our Sunday Paper community, are the ones who helped us make all of these projects and initiatives so successful this year. You also helped us grow The Sunday Paper by leaps and bounds. We now have readers in 44 countries. Wow! Thank you.

The Sunday Paper is a community of people who believe media can inform, inspire and be a force for good in the world. Our mission is to be the Paper of Record for those who want to live meaningful lives and Move Humanity Forward. I’m so proud of what we’re creating together and I hope you are, too.

This past year, we were fortunate to add so many new A-list columnists and contributors into our fold. We also grew our list of incredible Sunday Paper Ambassadors, who are out there spreading the word about our work each and every day. (If you’re not an ambassador yet, then stay tuned. We’ll be inviting more people into the group in 2019.)

The Sunday Paper is a labor of love and a gift, from us to you.  We hope you’ve enjoyed it throughout 2018, and we hope you know that we’re always open to your ideas for how we can make it better. (We mean it. Please feel free to write to us at any time.)

On this particular morning, we are sharing our Most-Read Sunday Paper Views and News Stories from 2018. These are the stories that resonated most with you over this past year. Perhaps revisiting them today will give you something to think about as you head into the new year.

Another offering from me to you for this new year is I’ve Been Thinking…The Journal. A companion to my bestselling book, this journal lands in bookstores everywhere tomorrow. I created it because so many of you asked me for it. My hope is that it will give you the space and the encouragement to write about your own path to a meaningful life. By the end of next year, I want you to have your own book of personal reflections, prayers and meditations. Just writing that is so exciting!

I know that the prospect of a new year can sometimes feel daunting, but I hope being in this community makes it feel a little less so. As we look ahead to New Year’s Day, I must say that I’m excited for what 2019 has in store. I hope you are as well. Happy New Year to you and your loved ones. May we continue to connect and learn from one another in the days and weeks to come.

Love,

Dear God, when the past feels troubling and the future feels uncertain, please help me remember the gift of the here and now. This precious life you have given us is, in fact, a gift and I never want to take that for granted. Amen.

Want more from Maria? Get The Sunday Paper for free in your inbox each week. SIGN UP HERE

TOP 10 VIEWS ABOVE THE NOISE 

1. “How 30 Days of Kindness Made Me a Better Person” by Cecelia Meis

2. Martha Beck Responds with ‘Lovingkindness’ to Heated Kavanaugh Hearing Testimonies

3. Dr. Dean Ornish Speaks to Maria About Lifestyle Changes That Could Help Reverse Chronic Disease

4. Sharon Salzberg Teaches Us to Let Go of Conformity and Find Our True Selves 

5. Bestselling Author Don Miguel Ruiz Explains How to Discover and Master the Power Within You 

6. Savannah Guthrie Reflects on Motherhood and Her Faith

7. Congressman Joe Kennedy III Talks to Maria About Politics and Service in America Today 

8. Elizabeth Lesser Writes About the Power of Hope to Awaken our Spirits

9. Dr. Christiane Northup Shares Her Advice for Evading Relationships That Drain You

10. Dr. Sarah Gottfried Speaks to Maria About the Connection Between Hormones and Diet

TOP 10 NEWS ABOVE THE NOISE 

1. Pope Francis: Forget Life’s Useless Baggage and Work for Peace 

2. Jenna Bush Hager Remembers Her Grandfather, Former President George H.W. Bush 

3. How to Prevent Alzheimer’s: Follow These 4 Tips from Doctors 

4. Six Subtle Signs of Depression You Should Never Ignore 

5. Maj. Brent Taylor’s Wife Speaks About Late Husband After His Death in Afghanistan 

6. Boy’s Letter to Dad in Heaven Receives Heartwarming Reply 

7. Obama Warns of ‘Strongman Politics’ in Speech Honoring the Late Nelson Mandela 

8. David Brooks Writes What Girls and Women Get Right About Empathy and Connection 

9. Why Older Couples Are Increasingly Living Apart 

10. Bill Gates Explains the Safest Age to Give Your Child a Cell Phone 

 NEW YEAR’S REFLECTIONS FROM OUR SUNDAY PAPER COLUMNISTS

For our last newsletter of 2018, we reached out to our Sunday Paper columnists and asked them to send us thoughts and quotes that will inspire you moving forward into the new year. Their words will certainly uplift you and make you think this morning.

THE SUNDAY PAPER IS A PROUD PARTNER OF ...

Caregivers: Make Rest an Achievable Resolution in the New Year

It’s so important for caregivers to care for their own mental, physical and spiritual health, but anyone who has been in that position knows it isn’t always easy. That’s why this week, we share some valuable New Year’s advice from our partners at Home Care Assistance. We hope these tips can help you or the caregiver in your life commit to a little more self-care in 2019. 

 SHOP THE MARIA COLLECTION: Good For You, Your Mind, & the World

Visit the shop on MariaShriver.com to get Maria’s book “I’ve Been Thinking,” her coloring book for Alzheimer’s “Color Your Mind,” the Maria candle, Rivet Revolution bracelets benefiting The Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement, her new Maria BrainHQ program, and more!

BECOME A SUNDAY PAPER AMBASSADOR …

And finally…if you love what we’re doing here at The Sunday Paper … join us! Become a Sunday Paper Ambassador and help spread the word!

READ MORE ABOUT WHAT I’VE BEEN THINKING

SIGN UP FOR MARIA’S SUNDAY PAPER