Today comes before another day, but that other’s not like the rest. We’ve imbued it with an added magic, the power to start afresh.
It’s not a modern phenomenon, the Babylonians made New Year a twelve-day festival. They didn’t seem too bothered about getting thinner/ fitter/ frugal, but they promised to pay their debts and return library books, or other borrowed items, which seems very reasonable.
I know some people eschew the idea of making New Year’s resolutions, usually because there seems to be a pressure for trying to make huge changes to oneself overnight, but my philosophy is not to aim large from the get go. I like the idea of doing a little assessment of the current me, and maybe tinker with my possibilities. I know, from past experience, that I’m not great at creating new habits, but it’s not impossible. My regular blogging, for example began as a New Year resolution back in 2021, and I’m pleased to have kept at least one thing on the list going.
What my blogging and my newly minted MA in Creative Writing have shown me is that, if I can force my backside into a quiet room and switch off distractions, I do actually enjoy the process of writing. Those distractions, from social media to dish-washing, need to be pushed to the side, for at least two hours a day. Then I may actually get the first draft of that novel written.
The month of January in the Roman calendar, named after Janus, the Roman god with two faces who looked back as well as forward, didn’t start off being the first month of the year. That honour was given to March, which sort of makes sense when you think about Spring. But eventually, maybe to spread Winter out over two years to make it more bearable, Janus got the top spot and we all got fresh new diaries.
New diaries, empty pages ready to be filled. If that can’t be used as the ultimate metaphor for us being able to redefine ourselves then I don’t know what can. We’ve cleared our Christmas decorations today and hoovered up all those pine needles in anticipation of opening up these new books. I won’t be watching Jools Holland or setting off fireworks, but I am ready to hail the brand new year in, and start again.
Happy New Year. Let’s hope it’s a good one.
theleadlesspencil 
Not sure how you can know it’s a new year without watching Jools Holland – but have a great one anyway. How is Anne’s arm?
Ah, I see how it is – all the best to her for the 4th.
Frustrating more than painful now. Hopefully the op will be successful and she can get back to cooking our dinners in a few weeks’ time!
Let’s hope that by this time next year, we can say ‘war is over’.
Wouldn’t that be great!
my blog this and my last, was me trying to rebuild me, to be the me I want to be….it’s a long process, I don’t have a lot of time (turned 65 today, so if i live to 100, 25 years left to work on that)…..but building, with a goal….a good feeling
Yes, I think goals, for me anyway, help hold the rudder of life steady. Otherwise I feel like I’m aimlessly adrift.
Happy Birthday!