Natalia Naman Temesgen: Every day's a new year
Happy Sunday! Happy January Fourth! Why doesn't either of those feel as awesome as screaming ‘Happy New Year’ at midnight on 1/1? I mean, I know it’s a new year, but technically every day is the start of a new 365-day period.
Think about it. It's been a whole year since Jan. 4, 2014. You made it to Jan. 4, 2015! Isn't that awesome? Reflect on all the blessings and accomplishments in your life from Jan. 4, 2014 to now. Aren't they too numerous to count? Think of those tough moments when you weren't sure you could make it. And now, it's Jan. 4, 2015! You're here! You're still kicking! And so am I! Let's scream and drink champagne and feel completely invigorated about the next 12 months!
I'm being a little silly, but these kinds of scenarios were going through my mind as my husband, friends and I were getting ready to celebrate the New Year. We put our favorite music on. We toasted as each of us highlighted our best memories together from 2014. We discussed our goals for 2015 and gassed each other up with compliments and encouragement. Nothing felt insurmountable. We were joyful and hopeful and ready to celebrate the year to come.
"Why don't we do this any other day?" I asked them. "Can we just do this again on, say, March 9? I know there are some random times during the year that I could use this kind of existential pick-me-up!" They looked at me with that "You are such a strange duck, but we love you anyway" face and continued about their revelry.
It may be a strange question, but I really do want that same spirit of reflection, gratitude and ambition throughout the year. On Dec. 31, it felt great to earnestly reminisce, count blessings, share goals and celebrate life with loved ones. Are we finding time to do this on a regular basis?
Some of us regularly count blessings with religious groups or in private meditation. Some of us say "thank you" many times a day, whether someone held a door for us or paid us a compliment. Some share goals nightly over dinner or celebrate life every weekend with a get-together with friends or movie night with family. It's important to do any and all of the above. And it's just as important to do so with enthusiasm. Routine can make things feel stale for any of us, but with a little excitement an obscure weeknight can feel like the beginning of the rest of your wonderful life!
An experiment that may be worth trying daily: think of tomorrow as the blank slate beginning of a brand new year. This evening, take some time to genuinely reflect on life's blessings. Then, articulate your hopes for the future. And finally, even if you just dance a happy dance in the shower, take the time to celebrate life.
Natalia Naman Temesgen is an independent correspondent. Contact her at nataliadian1@gmail.com or on Twitter@cafeaulazy.
This story was originally published January 3, 2015 at 7:53 PM with the headline "Natalia Naman Temesgen: Every day's a new year."