And so we begin....

Here we are.  Perched on the edge of a new year.  365 days ahead of us....a perfect blank slate.  Resolutions to get control of things that are out-of-control.  As if that is an easy thing.  How long has this been going on?  A few years, or months, or perhaps, decades?  You know the drill.  "I am absolutely going to do better this year"  Just name it.  You Can Do It.

Or so the feeling goes.  There is determination.  There is dedication.  There is resolve.

I'll not bore you with my long, long list of New Year's Resolutions.  Besides, they will go by the wayside as soon as this first month is over...or even before.  I know.  Been here many times before.  And that is how it goes.

But this year is going to be different.  I have learned some things about myself in the last twelve months.  Just as I learned things about myself each year I have lived.  I am a steadfast believer in examining what works...and what doesn't.  And the futility of banging the same rock with the same hammer, hoping for results.  

Taking out my mental broom I am sweeping out the dusty corners.  The places I have allowed to become crowded with negative dirt and dust, the detritus of broken dreams and ruined plans.  I will not lug this junk with me into this new year...not for a single day.  I can't change the past.  I joyfully empty my dustpan out in the clean air of the new year and see all that dirt blown away, never to return.

Here is a blank page in the book.  What will I write in it today?  Will it be something that is good and bright and helpful?  Or will it be a complaint about the hard road I have to travel.  Did I not notice that others have the same troubles as I?  Did I not see them stumble over the same sharp stones and grab onto something to give them hope..out there in the darkness.

The sun shines.  Even if I can't see it for the clouds. I will not take tomorrow for granted.  My job is to live right now.  To do my best to make my life count for something....making the sun shine for someone somewhere.  Even if they don't see it.

Perhaps at this time 365 days ahead I can look back and see that I have made a difference.  At least I can begin...today, right now.  

Happy New Year to all of you, from me.  Wishing you sunny days even when rain clouds gather.  And balmy winds even during the storm.