Why do most of us feel a sense of renewal at the beginning of each new year?
The date itself is a completely arbitrary point in the flow of current events. Because the year is about to change, wars are not likely to stop, or natural disasters, or family feuds. And yet we do feel some change will happen—especially if the current year has been difficult. We cannot wait for it to be over, to be rid of it. A new start.
That is a good thing—the stirrings of hope. Without it, life would be too depressing. And good things do happen.
So let us be thankful of what we have, and count our blessings, and spare a thought for those who are worse off than us, for there are many. (And perhaps stop watching the news, for a day or two!)
Happy New Year!
“Hope is the thing with feathers;
that perches in the soul;
And sings the song without the words;
And never stops – at all.”
Emily Dickinson
Letters from Athens 