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Few things get us taking stock of ourselves and our lives like the ending of one year, and the beginning of another. So it’s probably no surprise that General Hospital‘s Maurice Benard (Sonny), shared a message of inspiration over on Instagram as 2024 wound down.

“I believe we all have ups and downs, suffering and pain, happiness and joy,” he wrote in the caption to his video. “What I strive for is that sweet spot. When the little things get you teary-eyed, you’re not really thinking you’re just totally in the moment. You’re just grateful and appreciate what’s in front of you and what’s inside you.”

Benard has always been a champion of mental health, as it’s something he’s struggled with himself, and has shared with fans and friends in the hopes of educating and empowering people. This past year was no exception, as for a time, he’s shared, his own anxiety spiked to the point that he had to miss work. Fortunately, Benard came out on the other side of it and continues to inspire people with posts like the one below.

“I’m sitting out here just taking in the sun and just the peace that I feel,” the actor shares in his video post. “And I asked myself what life’s about. James Taylor has a song that’s called “Secret o’ Life” is knowing the passage of time. Fantastic. For me, it’s finding the peace within. The other side of chaos. When you find that peace, man, it’s amazing.”

We’re happy Sonny’s portrayer has found the peace within and we know from seeing countless comments and messages to him from fans, that his openness and honesty about his own struggles has helped others to find the same.

So to Benard and everyone reading this, struggling or not, Happy New year, and may we all find peace, happiness and the ability to live life in the moment.