New things are exciting. When we get to experience something new we are excited and see it as a fresh start or a clean slate. I get it. I think it is exciting too. But what if the New Year doesn’t feel new? What if there’s still pain and sorrow that you have carried with you into the new calendar date? I do believe that we need to remember that starting a New Year should not be defined by the calendar.
I had a great friend unexpectedly pass away on this very first day of the year two years ago. I can tell you that it has pushed me to not make a big deal about a new calendar year but to make everyday new when needed. You’re going to have bad days. A year shouldn’t define when you want to better yourself. Now please don’t get me wrong.. I think it’s amazing when people set out new life goals for the new year. I really think it’s beautiful that we all have a desire in our hearts to better ourselves continuously. But I pray we remember that it is just a day & that you’re going to mess up again.
May we not see that year as a waste of time or as a bad year entirely because then we tend to not remember all the good days we had. Sure, there are years that are harder than others. There are years that may not have had many positives and way too many negatives to be considered good. This was not because it was the year of 2013. But because it is life. This is when we need to remember that it’s just a calendar year. Because I can promise that even though the year has changed it does not instantly take away those struggles or trials. Start a new year today but if you screw up start a new one tomorrow. Make it your mindset to be better.
I say all this because honestly today I really don’t feel like it’s a “fresh start” or “new year.” The heaviness of my heart of the death of my friend still weighs down on me and will continue to for the years to come. But this is why I must strive to be better daily, January 1st and January 2nd. Not just the month of January but everyday that follows. If we have a bad week, month, or year allow yourself to start a new year in the middle of a day or in the middle of a month. Whatever it takes, when ever you need it, make yourself a clean slate. The calendar does not define when we can change ourselves. Let’s make a daily resolution to live better, love better and give more to the people around us. Be available and be present.
