Exhale. The holiday rush is behind us. The election is history. We’re beginning a new year with its own celebrations and landmarks, challenges and achievements. To quote Robert Frost, “In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on.” So let’s relax and welcome the New Year — 365 fresh, unlived days, beginning now.  

Every day brings change. And accepting what seems new and different often comes with discomfort. We are creatures of habit, and modifying our patterns of thinking and behaving is not easy. Socrates has this tip:

”The secret of change is to focus all of your energy,
not on fighting for the old,
but on building the new.”

Sometimes change surprises us with delight, but often we are dismayed by unwelcome circumstances — a shocking loss, or failing health. Meeting change with gloom makes the situation worse. Maya Angelou advises:

“If you don't like something, change it.
If you can't change it,
change your attitude.”

For me, the best change in attitude is to look away from what I DON’T want, towards what I DO want; to debunk negative projections and search out positive possibilities. So take a deep breath and let’s think big. Let’s usher in the possibility of an outstanding year:

- A global “us” living peacefully, with acceptance, honor, and integrity.

- Respect for life in a universe that is cared for and cared about.

- Agreement that each of us has a right to individuality and freedom.

- An end to the primitive idea that our differences are threatening.

Little happens without action. And often progress is the sum of small steps rather than dramatic leaps. Everyone can participate: no one is too young or too old, too poor or too rich, too infirm or too healthy. Each of us has a contribution to make. With you in the mix, I’m enthusiastic about 2017.

Wishing us the best year ever!

Sculpture: Persistence of Memory by Salvatore Dali