Every year at this time, we are faced with a new calendar of 365 days and 12 months. Some of those 365 days are filled with things we know about—birthdays, wedding days, anniversaries, graduation, first day of a new school year, family reunions, retirement, a long-anticipated trip. Most of the days, however, are blank. Some will remain forgettable in the passage of time, others will become indelible for great joy or loss such as a birth of a baby or death of a loved one.
A new year brings a desire for a better life, a better community, a better world. There’s a sense that with some effort, we can all share in improving our immediate surroundings or far-reaching environs. We need to have a goal to make the most of those dates on the new calendar, recognizing that even the smallest contribution can lead to a bigger objective.
New Year’s resolutions can be lofty or personal and can be achieved by taking each day at a time along with planning for the long-term.
A wonderful resolution for people, communities and nations is to be more respectful toward each other, to accept that there are many different opinions and they are each valid to the holder. Being able to have a discussion without disrespect or rancor would lead to more serenity in our personal lives and a more peaceful world.
While many problems seem insurmountable and unsolvable, everything starts with a thought within the mind of individual human beings. Anthropologist Margaret Mead’s words have been repeated often: “Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.” Love and respect grow by being fed by shared ideas and optimism. Unfortunately, so does hate and disrespect which survive through mistrust and pessimism.
During the past year, people have overcome natural disasters and personal tragedy. They have recorded personal triumphs and communal achievements.
The end of the world did not occur though some believed that it was predicted by a Mayan calendar. We are still here to fill up the days and months of the year ahead.
Looking back on 2012, we can see that we all failed in certain areas to achieve a more peaceful life and world. We can also see what is possible with the wonderful accomplishments and celebrations that did occur. We need fewer of the former and more of the latter.
We can do this. We can commit to doing everything we can within ourselves, our family unit, our communities, our provinces and our countries, to be better tomorrow than we are today. All the best to you and yours in 2013.
