Welcome to the first day of 2009!

Gale Sears

I love New Year’s Eve when we count down to the beginning of an untouched 365. My head knows that it’s just another night and that there really is no old man with a scythe turning thing over to a little baby in diapers, but my heart beats faster with hope as the Times Square ball drops. On any other night I’d be sound asleep dreaming about mundane thing like laundry, or choosing a paint color for the bathroom, but on the night of December 31st I stay awake to celebrate with the neighbors who run out into the street beating pots and pans, and the people in Hawaii who light thousands of firecrackers, and the crowd of revelers in Times Square who scream, cheer, and sing Auld Lang Syne, (whose meaning eludes me to this day).

For me, and perhaps others, the draw is possibility—the possibility that we can put away some hurt, overcome some challenge, feel the sweetness of peace, see things in a “new light”, or experience a new adventure.
Whatever 2009 brings, I’ll take a deep breath, and march forward with enthusiasm. A wise person once said, “years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.” And so, I wish you a big dollop of enthusiasm as you start your new year!