THE beginning of the year is difficult. Who hasn’t had an attack of introspection and self-assessment at one time or another? Most of us won’t go so far as neurotic Bridget Jones with her exceptionally bad start and her I will not versus I will columns. (Although one person I know actually tallies up a balance sheet of assets and liabilities with columns for money in the bank, job, friends, health and relationships.)
Looking back with regret at the year that will never be again, however, dampens enthusiasm for the year ahead. We have learned new lessons. What can we look forward to? A new beginning. A clean slate. We make noble resolutions. We promise ourselves that the coming year will be better than the last. We want to be: A. Happier; B. Richer; C. More beautiful, or D. Fill in your own blank; E. All of the above. Most of these revolve around our own behavior, relationships and health.