Have a Hopeful New Year

 It's New Year's Day. 

The parties are over (unless today is also your birthday) and we find ourselves at the beginning of another trip around the sun. Well wishes have been said and as we prepare to get back to work, school, etc., I find myself wondering if a "happy" new year is what I really want. 

I think I am wanting something different this year. As I believe that every day is an opportunity to do better, it feels odd to think of this at the beginning of 2023. That's a huge chunk of time to say to one's self,"I am going to make another go at this". Maybe what I am thinking is that I want a hopeful new year. I am hopeful that

• more of our politicians will return to being statesmen (and women). A little more purple and less Red/Blue would be nice, I think.
• we seek more to understand rather than reply when dealing with each other.
• we find joy in simplicity.
• we spend more time with our next door neighbor and less with our digital ones.
• we take in the richness of the colors in the world we live in as much or more that the world we see online.
• we resolve to do at least one kind deed for another as well as one's self.
• we remember it's alright to pick ourselves up when we fall.
• we remember that each day of this year is a gift, a chance to live into our best selves. It is a privilege granted to all of us and with privilege comes responsibility.

All that said, I am eager to leave 2022 behind. I look forward to walking into each day of 2023 hopeful and ready to continue the task of growing, learning, and serving.

I wish the same for all of you.