Every December 31st, we excitedly welcome in the new year. As the clock ticks down the minutes to midnight, party blowers are grabbed, champagne is poured and the countdown begins.
The countdown to what, exactly, I’m not sure.
A new year? A clean slate? A chance to start over? The fact that we survived the past 365 days?
Maybe all of it. Essentially, I think we’re celebrating the start of a new chapter.
“New Year, New You!” beauty ads tout. And in a way, maybe there’s some truth to that.
A new year is a chance to reflect on the person you’ve been and the life you’ve led over the past year. The achievements you’ve accomplished, the losses you’ve endured and maybe even some lessons you’ve learned along the way.
I know I always look to the new year with a feeling of hope for what’s to come. After all, anything is possible!
But then I realize, that’s only partly true. Because regardless of what transformations you think you’ll experience in the coming year (New Year, New You, remember?) you’re actually still the same you that you were at 11:59 on Dec. 31.
I mean, sure, not exactly the same -- we’re a little older, a little wiser, growing and learning and adapting to life’s curve balls -- but the only way you’re going to really achieve a “new you” is if you actually make a change.
Those new year’s resolutions are a great start, but unless you take that first step, this year won’t be any different from the last.
Want to lose 10 pounds? You’re going to have to step onto that treadmill.
Want to learn a new skill? You’re going to have to watch that first YouTube video or join that class.
If you want to see a change in (or for) yourself this year, you’re going to have to break the cycle of old habits.
“New” isn’t something that magically happens on Jan. 1. It’s something you have to pursue and seek out with purpose and intention.
So whatever you’re hoping to achieve this year -- a new home, a healthier lifestyle, a new hobby -- remember, it’s all up to you.
Because the new year is an unwritten chapter, filled with opportunities to do and be whatever you choose. But that’s the key -- you have to choose it.
It’s only a new chapter if you’re willing to write a new story.
So I ask you, what will your story be in 2026?
As for me, each New Year’s Eve, I’ll continue to be the obnoxious lady who excitedly bangs pots and pans on her front porch at midnight (my neighbors are very patient) and throw confetti and dole out friendly smooches when the ball drops at 12 a.m.
But I’ll also keep in mind that anything new that I hope to see in the new year is entirely up to me.
And whatever changes you’re looking forward to seeing this year are entirely up to you.
Make the leap; take the plunge; go for it! Whatever you hope to see this year (even if that’s not a single change from last year), I wish you all the best.
Happy New Year, everyone!