I
know that it's only a day. A day like all others. This year, it's a
Wednesday -- that ignominious middle of the week, no-mans-land hump day
-- to start the year. Why does New Years Day hold us collectively in
such thrall? It's not as if each year we celebrate a sort of Jubilee
where all debts are forgiven and we are released from contractual
obligations. No, January 1st will find us just as indentured
and indebted as today. Strangers will stay strangers, family will be
family and friends will remain friends (assuming a modicum of restraint
tonight). But somehow we collectively breath a sigh of relief that the
past 365 are behind us and then joyfully look forward to the
possibilities of another year. We dress up, drink up and take up the
challenges that lie ahead with optimism and good cheer. Tarnish behind,
luster ahead. Tonight at midnight the world will take a collective
cleansing breath and turn its back on the frustrations, failures and
foibles of 2013. We will look ahead with glee to the promise of a
better 2014. And that is what makes this day special. It is the one
day of the year that we give ourselves full permission to forgive the
past and anticipate the future (perhaps we would each be better off if
we practiced this pseudo-amnesia more often). We are eager and able,
energized and optimistic; ready to make the world - our own worlds at
least - a better place. So lift your glasses, watch the ball drop (or
potato, tangerine, sardine, peach, watermelon or whatever) and Happy New
Year! May your days ahead be filled with all the blessings of Health,
Peace, Love and Family.
