May New Year Spread Optimism

Dixya Poudel

Among the English speaking people, there is a tradition of singing a folk song called, “Auld Lang Syne” as the clock strikes midnight on the Gregorian New Year’s Eve. Its title translates as “days gone by.” This tradition started during the mid-19th century and has since become a staple in Gregorian New Year celebrations. And the song appositely reflects the concept of days passing by into weeks, months and then of course a year. 

Days do go by, sometimes in a blur and often in slow events. Life is an accumulation of slow moments which are punctured by sudden, life changing and transformative moments. Yet, during New Year’s Eve, one feels like another year has gone by in a jiffy when in fact, the year likely brought forth many never ending tasks. Adults have to go to work, students have to go to school or colleges, and for many life becomes a series of household chores, work deadlines and homework. In between are cherished vacations, school breaks, festivals and celebrations of milestones such as birthdays and anniversaries. Still at the end of a long and winding year, one feels like time has just passed by. That is the paradox of time. Moments go by in a second or they stretch endlessly. One could say time is relative.

For most, life passes by, for some life happens and for few life takes off into a brilliant horizon. Excellence is granted to few and perhaps that is why it is so coveted. Such fortunate ones can take charge of their lives and make an impact into the world. However, happiness isn’t always in the heights of success. Happiness is often in small moments. It lies in looking forward to the weekend after a long working week. It is commemorating milestones in a relationship or friendship. And it is in overcoming all odds. Likewise, sojourning in nature, making a new friend, or even trying out new cuisines can bring a calm content. Even music, arts and movies bring a sense of joy. 

As such, life is waking up each day and making a series of choices and decisions while worrying over the future and often reminiscing about the past. But in hindsight, few moments are etched too strongly in the memories. They reflect the most light which is why it is important that the memories bring happiness and not sadness. At the end of the year, it would be relatively better to have happier memories. For this, the best way is to live in the present each day while sharing joys and melancholy of life with loved ones. It is also in braving the storm that life can likely hurl so that on New Year celebrations one can feel gratitude and  not resentments. 

For over 4,000 years, people have been celebrating the New Year, starting with the ancient Babylonians. Perhaps the way people observed the New Year has changed and differed according to civilisations but the sentiment and the essence remain the same: New Year is a new beginning. And it applies to all cultures worldwide. Let it thus be celebrated with loved ones with renewed fervour. Let the reflection on the past year be joyous and let the prospect of the upcoming year be propitious. Happy New Year 2023!