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It always seemed to me even when bring up young children, that once the presents were opened, the Christmas Dinner done and despite all the stress and urgency that preceded it, Christmas was sort of “done” at that point.

Having a birthday on the 29^th December meant of course I still had something to look forward to but I must admit, New Year’s Eve is one celebration that I would cheerfully avoid. I think that there cannot be another celebration in the annual calendar whereby the balance is so finely struck between anticipation before it and the inevitable disappointment afterwards…

But There is One Good Thing…

The very best New Years I have ever experienced were four consecutive ones whilst working as a Doorman in the West End of London. Was it because I am good natured by default and was sober ? I don’t really know but they were amusing nights and I was earning money not spending it so…

But that said, there is one thing that I do enjoy about New Year which although ephemeral is a delight. For perhaps only 3 or 4 days and before reality settles back in like a gloomy grey blanket of dark cloud, there is that feeling that perhaps, just perhaps, the year that stretches ahead may be full of golden opportunities of any kind, that this might be a totally fresh start and a new beginning !

Of course it isn’t, we are still ourselves, the circumstances also and there is just no reason why a specific date on a calendar should change anything but it might…

Clearing the Past, Preparing for Tomorrow

I can’t exactly remember when I started doing it, sometime during my early 30′s I think but I have for many years used the period between Christmas to revue the past year and plan the one ahead. Of course all plans are subject to being changed as the circumstances evolve but, this does not negate the necessity of having a plan.

Even as a Project Manager and likely because I have always adopted a “Helicopter View” as part of my personal perspective, I have on occasions had to successfully, totally recast a project because of changed circumstances but that does not negate the value of initial and thorough planning if anything, it makes it more important. I always view the “Plan” as both my yardstick and compass by which to judge variation and deviation, the means may change but the end objective rarely does.

Reflection

This period is also a time of reflection and spiritual strengthening too therefore, allow me to share some thoughts from a favourite Roman of mine: Marcus Aurelius.

• Anything in any way beautiful derives its beauty from itself and asks nothing beyond itself. Praise is no part of it, for nothing is made worse or better by praise.
• Aptitude found in the understanding and is often inherited. Genius coming from reason and imagination, rarely.
• Because your own strength is unequal to the task, do not assume that it is beyond the powers of man; but if anything is within the powers and province of man, believe that it is within your own compass also.
• Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.
• It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.
• Our life is what our thoughts make it.
• The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane.
• Time is a sort of river of passing events, and strong is its current; no sooner is a thing brought to sight than it is swept by and another takes its place, and this too will be swept away.
• We ought to do good to others as simply as a horse runs, or a bee makes honey, or a vine bears grapes season after season without thinking of the grapes it has borne.
• You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.

I personally wish you a very Happy New Year.