Happy New Year 2017

The 2017 New Year arrived like a lamb, slipping us through the last moments of 2016 while we were blissfully sleeping. There has been a lot of conversation about last year being a tough one for many. I have to admit, our year was filled with both serious challenges and amazing experiences. On New Year’s eve, we focused on the amazing part.

I went for a run with my friend Sonya on New Year’s Day. We took one of my favorite routes around McKusick Lake in Stillwater, Minnesota. The temperature was in the 30’s; “warm” for January. The trails were packed with people enjoying the mild, sunny weather. It seemed like everyone was in a good mood. We heard “Happy New Year” often along the run.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the transformation we go through during the holidays. In December we are wrapping up the old year and looking back at the past year with criticism. New Year’s eve, we wash away the last 365 days with cocktails and reveling; we celebrate the upcoming year and look forward, anticipating only the best. When we wake up to the New Year, we feel like a weight is lifted. Our slate is clean. We have a fresh palate to paint the new year however we wish, and we are filled with optimism. New Year’s day is a day of rejuvenation, an opportunity to get things right this time. We begin the year with resolutions to be better, kinder, braver; pledging to get in shape, drink more water, forgive someone and we believe we can attain these goals. Every challenge of the year before seems surmountable on January first; our failures no longer matter. It’s as though we hit a reset button on life. Our dreams do not necessarily change but our hope grows exponentially.

What is it about the switching of years that gives us this positive outlook? Why can’t we do this reset anytime throughout the year, whenever we need it? We all have the ability to make today the day that we change what is going awry, yet New Year’s Day is the day we are most successful with this attitude adjustment. If only we could conjure up these feelings at any time we needed them. We’d easily pick ourselves up after every setback, shake off the weight of it and start over with a positive mindset.

As we begin the new year I feel this phenomenon fill me with excitement. I am powerful and in charge of my own destiny. I am eager to face the future with confidence and determination. As we head back to resume our cruising adventure my resolutions are simple; I pledge to remain open to optimism, to surround myself with joy, and to live, laugh and love with abandon.

Happy New Year!