Another year in, and another one out. Yes, its that time again, and unlike my usual "Year in Review" segment I'm going to just reflect on how peaceful the celebrations were this time around, and focus on moving forward. Suffice it to say that this year was yet another roller coaster filled with drama, joy, illness, growth, disappointment, enlightenment and change. Funny how that works. To paraphrase Joan Rivers, "I wish I could tell you it gets better but it doesn't. You get better." Amen to that.
New Year's Eve ended up being rung in very quietly and close to home. Plans fell through and my little man needed to be close to home and with his mommy while he recovered from post-op. In years past I would've felt keenly disappointed at the lack of excitement. This year I ended up being happy to be removed from the drama, the overindulgence and loudness and cacophony (unless you count a toddler shrieking with joy, the shrill blast of fireworks and overindulging in appetizers and chocolate goodness). The celebration kicked off at church- Munholland held its annual NYE labyrinth/meditation as a way of reflecting on hopes and dreams and putting the year to rest before symbolically walking into the new one. It was a new experience for me and one I plan on repeating in years ahead. The rest of the evening was spent taking a drive through the park, enjoying a spread of food and helping ring in the New Year with family and neighbors.
So now its a new year and a new beginning. Or is it? The question that so many people struggle with is, "Why does the new year matter?" There are so many arguments and debates about whether or not it "really" makes any difference. Well, I believe its like anything else- you can see the glass as half empty or half full. Many of us need the symbolism of a fresh start to encourage us to make important changes and live life differently. There has to be a starting point, a beginning. The "clean slate" is only in our heads, but you have to start somewhere. In fact, the best change starts in your mind. If it makes folks happy to imagine a new chapter in this busy, complicated, confusing world, then let them believe in it. I find that I believe in it and want to make things different this time around.
Wishing you many blessings in the New Year. May 2016 be good to all of us!
