A Beginning

For last year’s words belong to last year’s language. And next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.
T.S. Eliot

Holiday music is silenced, torn gift wrap has been gathered up and decorations packed away. It’s a new year and yes, thank you Mr. Eliot, the end makes a new beginning.The question is, Now what? Do we mark the turning of the calendar with a new beginning or is it just another year?

I stopped making New Year’s resolutions a few years ago. Resolve is too weighty a word for me. Now, I have intentions. Semantics, you say? I suppose, but it sits easier. I can intend something and if I don’t carry through? Well, it was an intention not a resolution.

I guess my goals for the new year are the same as many people. Lose a couple of pounds, eat healthier, write more. On the face they seem fairly reasonable. Will I be successful? That’s my intent.

Often, I think we are too hard on ourselves. We believe when we don’t achieve success it’s a shortcoming on our part. What if it’s not us? Maybe the stars aren’t aligned correctly or it’s not God’s plan. We might resolve that this is the year we will finish our novel and find a publisher, run the Boston Marathon or some other lofty goal. If we achieve what we set out to do, great. If we don’t, it’s not a character flaw. There’s always next year.

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