Happy New Year!!!
Last night (or early this morning, for pedants like me), I was asked whether 2006 had been a good year for me. My initial, and perfectly honest response, was that I'm happier today than I was a year ago, so the year must have been a success. Sometimes the journey is difficult, and it's easy to ignore the trial when the verdict is positive. However, success is empty if it is not deserved, so it is important not to forget the journey for the destination.
I think that in past years I've done "Year in Review"-style messages, but I'm afraid my deadline (unlike Douglas Adams, I don't like the sound of them whooshing past) won't allow careful review of 365 days. Assuming I could even remember enough of those days, I'm sure too much detail would be forgotten and far more mis-remembered to do any good whatsoever. And this isn't the place for details anyway. What I do remember of 2006 is that there were plenty of ups and downs and, until recently, I would have written off the year as a loss. It was a difficult year. But every single difficulty I experienced, and overcame, or avoided, has led up to who and where I am today. And, really, as far as that goes, I have no complaints.
New Year's Day is my favorite holiday because, even though it's purely symbolic, it offers an opportunity for a fresh start. There are plenty of situations where starting over can be helpful, but this year, I think forgiveness is probably what I want to highlight. We all make mistakes, and are often forced into making decisions that do not necessarily lead to completely satisfying outcomes. True forgiveness is the ultimate in generosity. And people who don't hold grudges live longer. Look it up. It must be true.
It's not easy, but it's an important part of the journey. And even if you don't appreciate the journey all the time, you won't get anywhere without it.
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I think that in past years I've done "Year in Review"-style messages, but I'm afraid my deadline (unlike Douglas Adams, I don't like the sound of them whooshing past) won't allow careful review of 365 days. Assuming I could even remember enough of those days, I'm sure too much detail would be forgotten and far more mis-remembered to do any good whatsoever. And this isn't the place for details anyway. What I do remember of 2006 is that there were plenty of ups and downs and, until recently, I would have written off the year as a loss. It was a difficult year. But every single difficulty I experienced, and overcame, or avoided, has led up to who and where I am today. And, really, as far as that goes, I have no complaints.
New Year's Day is my favorite holiday because, even though it's purely symbolic, it offers an opportunity for a fresh start. There are plenty of situations where starting over can be helpful, but this year, I think forgiveness is probably what I want to highlight. We all make mistakes, and are often forced into making decisions that do not necessarily lead to completely satisfying outcomes. True forgiveness is the ultimate in generosity. And people who don't hold grudges live longer. Look it up. It must be true.
It's not easy, but it's an important part of the journey. And even if you don't appreciate the journey all the time, you won't get anywhere without it.
Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!! Happy New Year!!!