“May good luck become your friend in whatever you do and may trouble be always a stranger to you”
Irish Blessing
Memories of the old help us step into the new with rising hopes, aspirations, resolutions, and sometimes regrets of events beyond control. How so true regarding the current year’s mixed feelings? This year is no exception when compared to the years gone by. Some memories will make a lasting impact while most others likely vanish into thin air. The hurtful ones shall find healing in ‘time’ that is known as the most powerful healer!
2016 left indelible marks of awe, surprise, disbelief, anger and frustrations across the world. The events impacted all spheres including, but not limited to, politics, industry, science, innovations, humanitarian crisis, war situations, even terrorism that helped all humanity unite as one across boundaries. Journalists around the world have done a remarkable job putting everything in perspective (sometimes biased though). But one thing deserves to be emphasized where most of the readers might choose to agree in unison. We can find a common factor as certain incomplete jobs are carried forward into the New Year.
Over the last few decades, invariably every year I have noticed people preparing for the next one right after Halloween. They give an impression of bidding goodbye to the current year with two months remaining on the calendar. So many families put off major purchases until the next year. Some believe their purchase of a new home or automobile in the New Year will bring better luck. These parents tell their kids to wait for Santa so purchase of new running shoes could be delayed. Businesses postpone major decisions in the hope of better deals on everything from machinery to raw materials though that may not always hold true. Such an attitude takes the focus away from work in the name of festive spirit.
What sudden changes do you expect that justify these two months before the New Year pass by so lightly?
The fact remains the same whether it is December-end or early January. No one is waiting out there giving away Million Dollar gift checks in celebration of the New Year. It never happened before and is least likely to happen anytime in foreseeable future. We end up emptying our own pockets beyond capacity hypnotized by Black Friday bargains and Boxing Day Mania. An annual ritual observed by credit card companies is worth mention here. They take so much pride in reporting how processing suffered delays as a result of the exceptionally large volume of transactions. Imagine our obsession with credit that keeps pushing the majority of cardholders further into debt.
Parties and worry-free binge take an unfortunate yet avoidable toll where so many smart, young, intelligent, and gifted lives get destroyed as a result of drunk driving. If anyone can justify such a deadly celebration, please do. If not, promise those you love and care for, not to indulge in such irresponsible activities and not to allow anyone else to do that either. Better safe than sorry!
In the spirit of celebration, here is a Humble Prayer to the Almighty to Bless Us All with His Wisdom and Grace to Recognize Right from Wrong and Act in a Responsible Fashion, Always!
Best Wishes for the New Year 2017…..
