Say this instead, “Today, is the day!”
It’s about about to be the year 2018, and as at the time I am writing this, it is exactly forty-one days to the new year. Typically, around this time of the year, a lot of people; friends, families, colleagues are coming together to celebrate the holidays, beginning with thanksgiving, then Christmas, and eventually the awaited new year. In these gatherings, the conversations are typically a reflection of the year: the good, the bad, and the ugly. We talk about the things we want to leave behind in the passing year; bad habits, unhealthy lifestyles and many others, and we dream of the wonderful additions we intend to add to our lives, hence, the new year resolution!
In my family, just before the new year, my dad would ask us, the children, my mother and himself inclusive to reflect on our year, and write down a minimum of three things would like to do differently in the new year. He’d say things like “The new year is an opportunity for a new beginning, the perfect time to make personal and lifestyle changes, it is the time to redevelop oneself, set goals, and commit to a new life”
Agreed!…but here’s what, I’ve been thinking, isn’t the new year just another day? Why do we have to wait three hundred, and sixty five days to decide to drop an unhealthy lifestyle in the belief that the world was handing us a brand new one in exchange? We would say, …It’s a brand new day, beginning a brand new year. Last year is old news, gone with the wind and each of us are presented with a chance at a new slate. Old things have passed away, sins have been forgiven and we are born anew.
Really? This is because it is a new year?!
Okay! I hate to be the buzz kill, the party pooper and all, but really, I think the new year just brings forth another day; the sun sets and rises just like it did yesterday. So, no, your sins are not forgiven, the troubles of yesterday follow into today, your work projects still need to be completed, your GPA isn’t any higher, or starting allover again, Arsenal still had worst season under Wenger. So, what’s up? Why put so much pressure on ourselves and January 1st, most times setting unrealistic goals, only to dump them come December 31st, and pick up new ones. Why?
And just before you jump me, and accuse me of being filled with negative energies, hold steady, and hear me out. I am in no way whatsoever against change, revamp, or setting goals, I am just of the belief that, we do not have to wait till certain day of the year to make changes, there is no magic attached to this “new year” day, and so just like July 28 or June 11, you can join a kickboxing class, stop drinking, start saving towards a new car, take new classes, learn a new language, be nice to a neighbor, donate to charity, or whatever it is you want to do. You DO NOT need a new year, all you need is a new day, so learn from yesterdays mistakes, and make today a better one.
Do you have any beliefs, maybe religious or otherwise that strengthens your faith in the “New year, New me” ideas? Or have I been able to sell you my idea that today is the day to start making those changes? I want to know what you think, I would be reading the comments, and replying to every single one.
With this been said, I wish all of us a happy new day in a new calendar! May all 365 days be bright, and merry!
Love,
Maureen
