New Year for a New Single Self

Not everyone celebrates Christmas or Hanukkah, and the holidays mean different things to different people depending on whether or not family or loved ones are accessible (emotionally or physically). But everyone seems to feel the hope a new year brings. As someone who does celebrate Christmas and believe in Jesus (though it's a struggle sometimes in the worst sides of me), I don't think it's an accident that somehow Jesus' birth is celebrated just before the new year. I quote my favorite Christmas song says: "Then he appeared and the soul felt its worth; A thrill of hope -- the weary world rejoices; For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn."

Whatever the last year was for you, it was probably a great many things unexpected as it is every year for us. We never know what kind of turns in relationships -- even close friendships, new attractions, self-realizations and hopes realized and disappointed will come our way in the 525,600 minutes we have to think, feel and respond to what comes our way. For some, a good cathartic session of crying in mourning may help clear that palate for 2007. For others, a time of thinking over lessons learned and new goals to set either personally or vocationally.

I started 2006 determined to find the right man. Instead, I found a few not-so-right men. But after my own cathartic cry on January 1 mourning more than a few things from 2006 (and let's be honest, things into childhood), I find myself hopeful for the clean slate of 2007. Losers, winners, personal failures and breakthroughs, things perfect and not perfect -- bring it. In the words of Cliff Poncier of Citizen Dick, "all this negative energy -- it only makes me stronger."


True or untrue? "Life is short, stay single."