The countdown to the new year has begun. Most of us know the words  to the above song, but do we actually know what the song signifies? It’s a song traditionally sung on New Year’s Eve. The Auld Lang Syne lyrics and words were first published in 1788 by Scottish poet and lyricist Robert Burns. The song was set to the tune of a traditional folk song. The song symbolizes friendship and days gone by. Most people enjoy taking a trip down memory lane. We all have loved ones who are no longer with us physically, but who are near and dear to our hearts. There’s something about Christmas and New Year’s that makes me miss my loved ones who have passed away even more than during the rest of the year.

 

Auld Lang Syne has become a tradition in the United States as we ring in the new year to bid farewell to the old year. At the stroke of midnight, it’s customary to share kisses and express New Year greetings. 

 

Many Americans celebrate the arrival of the New Year by enjoying dinner and champagne at local restaurants, watching championship football games or enjoying the New Year’s events broadcast live on television from Times Square in New York City. 

 

Resolving to change and improve is a common practice as we ring in the new year, yet it’s a pretty well documented fact that a majority of New Year’s resolutions fail. Despite that fact, a majority of people continue to make resolutions each year! I’m no exception. I have made a resolution to exercise more and eat less, because right now in order to be at my goal weight I’d have to be 11 ft, 2 inches tall.

 

I recently heard of a New Year’s tradition where each person in the room writes a compliment about the other people present and  everyone wages a guess who said what about them. 

 

My sister Karen resolves to have a better attitude in the coming year, especially about the weather. She has four horses and a great deal of work to do outside and pledges to be more optimistic in 2017. In an effort to help Karen achieve her resolutions, I’ve committed to cutting her off at the pass if she starts in on the weather man. 

 

My sister Judy, who owns PACE Fitness and Wellness in Becker, encourages people to write down three things each day they are thankful for in a notebook (gratitude journal). 

 

Personally, I’ve made some resolutions for 2017. I’m taking steps to declutter my life and slow my pace in an effort to reduce stress. It’s a tall order because I work fulltime, commute 49 miles to work and have a fair amount of commitments currently. It’s my goal to be involved in fewer activities in order to free up time in my schedule. I have a hard time telling people “No” when I’m asked to help. It seems I am the social director in several circles in my life. Don’t take it personally if you’re on the receiving end of my cuts! 

 

I will make a conscious effort in the new year to be kind - smiling at strangers and giving compliments without fear of being looked upon as corny. I will count my blessings instead of other people’s and will focus on all the good Lord has provided for me and my family this past year.  I will be more careful with my words, remembering that kind words are sweet to the soul. I will make an effort to taste my words before I spit them out. 

 

Most of us have much to be thankful for. Ample food, a warm bed, a job, people who love us, and much more. Are you grateful? Are you counting your blessings? I am. There is always something to be grateful for.

 

Happy New Year!