New (Blank)

I suppose I've grown somewhat cynical this year, but the meaning behind New Year's celebration this year is gone, for me. Granted, I will still be celebrating, but it is more of just having a good time with friends and family than a fresh start or anything. To me, New Year's is like "Yay, arbitrary point in time celebration!" and nothing more. I am reminded of a quote by someone, I cannot remember who, which says something to the effect of take each moment and improve it, make something of it. I wish people could do this more often, myself included. Why wait until midnight? Why not start now?

In lieu of a so-called New Year's resolution, I encourage people to take a look at themselves and not decide what new activities to do, but rather what it is about themselves which makes them think they need a New Year's resolution. I think that people could really benefit and learn about themselves by taking some time to do this, at the very least before they go and establish "resolutions." This is not to say that resolutions are bad, but that I do not feel as if they are as helpful in improving ourselves as people.

Whatever way you choose to ring in 2012, even if you don't do any of these things, I want to wish you well in the new year. Perhaps there is something in the collective "fresh start" of a new year which can help you in whatever way you might feel you need it. Cheers.