New Year’s Day— ah, what a time for wonder and awe. It’s a time to remember, well, time. The holiday as an idea, can sound a little strange.
“So what? You just, like, watch the clock change from 11:59 to 12?”
“Well, there’s also a ball that descends in the middle of Times Square. And there’s confetti.”
“Oh.”
Probably not the most exciting thing to explain. But to be fair, there isn’t quite a way to explain the feeling of closing off another year. Whether the year was full of blessings or struggles, feelings can all change on that one night. In short, it’s a night of hope. With each end, comes a new beginning, and New Year’s is the time that we take to remember that. It’s the perfect way to end the holidays. Either surrounded by friends or by peaceful silence, resolutions are made and hope is renewed, even if only for a couple of weeks.
But imagine if we could have this renewal, or this hope, all year-round. If each day felt like a day for people to start over, and maybe make amends for their wrong-doings. What if you could apologize for your wrong-doings? What if you could make a level-headed decision that differs from your normal recklessness? In the spirit of common resolutions, what if you could eat healthier and exercise more on a day other than January first? Well, I have some pretty brilliant news for you. You can! That’s right! You, right there, can make your own decisions every single day of the year!
As ridiculous as that may seem because of the emphasis and excitement around New Year’s, we often forget that we actually are strong enough to commit to a change on any day that we so choose. We become so wrapped up in the tradition of making a resolution that we often ignore the opportunity to do so the rest of the year. If you feel stuck, angry, sad, lonely, unmotivated, lazy, disappointed, or guilty about anything, change your attitude. Better yet, channel the negativity and let it help push you toward something. Make goals— start small and work your way toward the bigger picture. Want to move up in the workplace? Start by fixing something small around the office and demonstrating that you’re capable of taking the initiative. Want to lose fifty pounds? Start by drinking more water and walking every day.
It’s important to remember that each day can be a new start, so, even if you struggle with your resolutions, stick to them. Want to give up soda but it’s only the third of January and you’ve already slipped up? Try again. You don’t instantly fail— that’s not how it works. New Year’s is about being persistent in your hope. In the words of Shia Lebouf from one of the more famous videos of 2015, “Don’t let your dreams be dreams. Just do it.” If Shia Lebouf knows what's up, you should too.
