The energy on New Year’s Eve is palpable. Individuals of all ages are filled with excitement as they prepare for festivities. Time spent with family and friends, the thrill of the countdown, and the meaningful kiss with that special someone are activities synonymous with New Year’s Eve celebrations. The weeks leading up to these celebrations are just as important, but for slightly different reasons. It is during this time that individuals dream, even in the waking hours, of the lives they hope to have in the future. They cling to the promise of a new year and the idea that they could have something more or something better. They make resolutions. They specify the things they want in their “new” lives, identify what they think is missing, and clarify what they think is getting in the way of their happiness. They want to believe, they need to believe, that life will be different. It’s as if people think, on some level, that a magic portal opens on New Year’s Eve making any, and all, dreams possible. Just as Disney has the magic lamp, flying carpets, and genies, the modern-day adult has New Year’s Eve.
Society perpetuates this magical idea because it makes good marketing sense, but it’s not necessarily good for the psyche. While the adult may understand that effort needs to accompany any resolution made or goal set for the resolution to endure or for the goal to be achieved, the child within wants to believe in the Disney fantasy where wishes are simply granted. But when the magic doesn’t kick in or things don’t evolve as planned, individuals often feel disillusioned, somewhat hopeless, and as if they have failed on a grand scale. Remember, opportunity for change (this “magic portal”) is always present, and taking even one step toward a goal is progress. So, whether you choose to write specific resolutions or simply consider general plans for the future, the choice is yours. Change can’t be forced by the calendar, by an event, or by others. Lasting change takes place only when one wants, and is ready, for the change.
As we look forward to 2018, I hope you take the time to celebrate. Whether that places you at a noisy gathering with friends and family or snuggling in at home while enjoying some peace and quiet, celebrate the life you have and be thankful for all you’ve been given. Greet this new year with eager anticipation and keep an open mind. Take advantage of the time you have and make it count. Most importantly, own your power. You already have all the “magic” you will ever need!
Happy New Year!