I’m a New Year’s Eve man. No doubt about it, and I’m not ashamed to admit it. What can you say about New Years Day that isn’t positive? Christmas is a wonderful holiday, but not everyone celebrates Christmas. The same could be said for Kwanzaa, Bodhi Day, Hanukah, Festivus, and many more. All wonderful days for those who celebrate… but not holidays for everyone.
Then there’s New Years Day. I’ve always called it, “The Can’t Miss Holiday.” That’s because, even in years like these, there are only two scenarios that can present themselves on this holiday:
- Scenario #1. The present year has not been a good year. For many, this past year has been difficult professionally, and/or personally. The New Year symbolically signals it’s over; it’s behind you; it’s done. Remember 2009 or the pandemic? I don’t remember a whole lot of businesses that were flourishing. I, for one, could not wait to have that long, long year to come to an end. Eventually it did. Somehow, moving to another year presented a clean start. It provided a psychological boost.
- Scenario #2. The present year has been a good year. Perhaps the year has been a successful year professionally, or personally. The New Year may symbolically signal it’s over, but why would that be disappointing? Most people I know who are coming off a strong year can’t wait to get at the next one! Before you throw your arms in the air and mutter, “Who had a strong year this year?” remember it has been a good year for some.
Are you planning on making some New Year’s resolutions? Good for you, and even better if you set goals you have a realistic opportunity to meet. How you celebrate New Years Eve is up to you. Drink, think, dine, wine, or sleep the night away; it’s irrelevant to me. My wish for you is this: Regardless of the year you wrapped up, learn from it. What parts of this past year we’re positive? Ask yourself why, and commit yourself to not just repeating it, but improving upon it. It’s been a difficult year for many, including me, but push past the obvious. If you could live this year again, ask yourself what you would have done differently, and commit yourself to learning from it.
For some, it’s just another day on the calendar, but for people like me, it’s far more. It’s a clean slate for a new year; a year full of possibilities. It’s a chance to reflect on the positive ways you coped with a tough year, and the things you might have done better. It’s inclusive and it provides an important moment for us all to simply stop and think. Enjoy the opportunity to make 2024 your best year yet! Happy New Year!
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As always, I like your attitude very much.
I wish you a wonderful 2021.
Greetings from Switzerland
Patrick
A wonderful, healthy, 2021 to you as well. Always great hearing from you Patrick!
I love your outlook and perspective on the close of the old year and start of the new one. Wishing you many blessings in the new year!
There are so many other holidays that give people issues, but not this one! It’s the, “Can’t Miss Holiday.” Wishing you a good, healthy, and prosperous year. Thanks so much for posting David.
Very good lessons to take into the New Year 2021
Remember that lunch invitation that has be sitting on your desk now for over a year.
Best of all things for the year to you and your family!
And a great ’22 to you, my friend.
No complaints here. I don’t have any more provolone. Although the changes in life have been scary and dramatic, we move on to new adventures.
Here’s to new adventures!
Happy New Year Mr J – and thanks for all the lives you touch along your journey – including mine.
Happy New Year Dr. K – I’m grateful for your comment, and much of what I learned about touching lives, I learned from you. You’re one of a kind Bob – thanks for posting!
Bravo, my friend for a well crafted compilation of the teeter-totter that happens when one year closes and a new one opens up. Loved our chance to talk!
Happy Happy… look forward to more.
Loved our chance to talk as well. Your Podcast will be released on 1/23/23, and I believe will be one of my featured Pocket Sized Pep Talks on the website. Well done my friend!
You have had a very busy year my friend. Reflecting, learning and growing. Grateful for your insights, as always, and the positive bounce you add to my step via your writing, podcasts and speaking.
Now that’s a great way to head into 2023! So grateful for your kind words Bob! Happy New Year my friend!!
You are a wonderful gift from the Universe!
Your cousin by marriage LOL.
Well… you’re a wonderful cousin by marriage! Thanks so much for the kind words Peter. Here’s to a great New Year to you and my other cousin!
Congratulations on all your incredible accomplishments Rob! I so enjoy your weekly “pep talks” and deeply admire your perseverance in whatever you set your mind to do. For me, 2022 was not what I expected professionally but what a wonderful personal adventure it has been. I have traveled all over the world, met amazing people and connected (bridged) people together who just had to know each other. I believe 2023 will bring amazing new possibilities too! Sending you all good wishes for your best year yet!
Sounds like you found yourself a “Half-Full” lens to view this past year in. Well done Kanu!
Happy New Year my friend
Happy New Year to you as well! Let’s go get this year and look back with pride a year from today!!
This is a really good take on New Year’s as a universal holiday, without the baggage of the other religious based holidays.
Agreed. It’s kind of sad that so many other holidays carry a bit of baggage. For me, New Years is 1A, and Thanksgiving is 1B. Happy 1A to you!