You’ve probably seen the infamous photo of the old year passing into the new year. The old year is depicted by an elderly person – beaten and worn by the passage of time. The new year is portrayed by an infant – bright and bubbly and ready for life ahead.
I believe the image is referred to as Father Time. It’s a pretty good metaphor.
As we say goodbye to 2013 and hail the arrival of the new year, how many people do you personally know who will say “Gosh, I would like the old year to stay longer. It was a good one. I’m not looking forward to a new year.” Most folks will say of the old year, “Good riddance.”
Well, I guess it’s just human nature.
As for me, I’m not all that hard on 2013. There were some challenges, yes, but there were also some wonderful moments as I wrote recently. And, in a like manner, I am looking forward to the new year with hope and optimism for more fantastic times.
One of the reasons folks look forward to a new year is the opportunity for change. A fresh start. A clean slate. A world of possibilities.
But, then, our tendency is to plunge into January head-first and find the bleak mid-winter. Gray days and cold nights.
That’s no way to foster all that optimism you felt on New Year’s Eve and turn it into something special.
But this isn’t a column devoted to New Year’s Resolutions. I think I will hold that one until next week.
This is about new beginnings. Tonight, the calendar passed from December 31 to January 1.
It’s a natural chance for all of us to seize a moment. That moment is driven by our tendency to follow cycles – be it an academic calendar, a sports season, the seasons of the year or some other pattern.
It’s also human nature.
January 1 begins a new year. 2014 has arrived. It will be an Olympic year; later we will hold mid-term elections. Babies will be born. Folks will start new jobs. Winter will pass; spring will return anew.
A new day has dawned.
May the new year be full of all the joy and excitement you can muster. I wish you a very Happy New Year. For us all, I hope it is a safe, healthy and happy one!
JG
Originally posted 1/1/2014
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