It's interesting how we perceive New Year's almost like a whole new beginning to our lives. We make 'resolutions' to changes things we didn't like or didn't accomplish in the year before. And we cast off the past year with a flourish of champagne and fireworks, the world over. And in a sense, it's a beautiful thing. And in another, it's a complete farce.
Never mind that I'm typing from my deck, in the early evening, on this first day of the New Year. And pardon my somewhat cynical look at what should be a sense of renewal and hope. Has really that much changed, or been forgotten since yesterday? Honestly, of course not. But still we pin our hopes that this year will be better than the last and that finally, we've put all that occurred to us, the world?, in 2004 behind us in the hopes that 2005 will be a better year.
This year New Year's was a little less celebratory around the globe as we all paused to remember those who lost their lives in the horrific tsunamis that engulfed the India Sea, leaving hundreds of thousands dead, and many more homeless and at risk of death by disease. Certainly, we have not cast off that last big tragedy of 2004 with the stroke of midnight, and the dropping of a crystal ball.
Maybe it is I who changed in 2004 not to be as overly optimistic that great change comes in a new year. That mistakes are forgiven or sadness relieved with the simple cheer of Burn's Auld Lang Syne. No, I fear that not much will change in the world between now and Monday when we all get back into the swing of things. By month's end, many resolutions lay forgotten, as the simple realities of our lives take hold. Changes is a difficult thing to maintain. It is truly one of the most difficult things in life to take on and accept. And many times, we are given no choice. But most of us, when given the choice, would rather stay with the status quo.
Let's hope you find yourself in the minority. Reaching whatever goals you set for yourself in the coming year. But, if for some reason, you happen to fall short, do not fret. There will always be New Year's 2006.
Posted by robdesign at January 1, 2005 05:39 PM