Today, on the first day of 2016, I feel “reflective” about the significance of a “New Year”. While I see extensive celebrations, fireworks taking off, champagne being popped & am so grateful to witness and be a part of this happy time with friends and family, I find myself reflecting on what exactly the New Year (in general) means for me and our society at large.
Firstly, I think that I am glad to see the back of 2015! A year that was tough on so many fronts. Personal trials and tribulations, natural disasters – droughts and floods, economic uncertainty, terrorist attacks, and political upheaval and chaos – naming just a few. I guess, in this light, a New Year brings a close of this challenging chapter.
Secondly, a New Year is symbolic of a promise of renewal, new starts and re- launches. A kind of mental rebirth and a re-energizing – a way to say that “I can try again” and the opportunity to do so.
As I reflect on this, I am cautious to also not only embrace the “New”. Where we have come from is just as important. At the dawn of this new beginning, I am also grateful for the resilience, grace and comfort that we have had to find to get through what we did last year – A time of learning and achievement, a celebration of the fortitude of the human spirit.
So, as we stand on the threshold of a new chapter, my sense is not to just close the old chapter, but to see it as a continuation in the story and journey of life. The opportunity to write more, of who we are, where we are are and a celebration of each day – old and new. Enjoying the fireworks and champagne too 🙂
Happy New Year friends and family! I am so proud of each of you – of your journey to date, and of all that you have achieved!
May this New Page of 2016 lighten up a path that you are looking for & pave your way to peace and fulfillment
Below, a poem that resonated with me – and my space for now..
Much love!
My Creed (for 2016)
Author: Edgar A. Guest
To live as gently as I can;
to be, no matter where, a man;
to take what comes of good or ill,
and cling to faith and honor still;
To do my best, and let that stand
the record of my brain and hand;
and then, should failure come to me,
still work and hope for victory.
To have no secret place wherein
I stoop unseen to shame or sin;
to be the same when I’m alone
as when my every deed is known;
to live undaunted, unafraid
of any step that I have made;
to be without pretense or sham
exactly what men think I am.
To leave some simple work behind
to keep my having lived in mind;
if enmity to aught I show,
to be an honest, generous foe;
to play my little part, nor whine
that greater honors are not mine.
This I believe is all I need
for my philosophy and creed.