revolutions/resolutions

Once again as this third rock from the sun comes full circle (ellipse to be exact), it finds many of its inhabitants in the exact same spot it had left them 365 days ago - thinking where they will be, once again, 365 days from today.

It’s a scary day this. And though on paper it may seem that new year’s is nothing more than another date in the calendar (a new calendar altogether though) and the effect of which is mainly limited to a really convincing hangover, but it’s a day which brings along with it all the ghosts a year gone by. For some they are friendly spirits, reminding them of greener pastures accomplished, for others they are bleak and ghastly reminders of opportunities squandered and time let trickled away. And for some yet, it is but a miracle to be able to see that final digit at the end of the date-line roll over.

This one single day is like an engine hauling behind it an entire barrage of carriages accumulated over the years and no one no matter where they are or who they are can get off the track soon enough. This day hits us all, some more than others, but everyone nonetheless, and for all the partying and revelry, there is always that one question asked –‘ what have I done this year?’ It is a question we all ask ourselves and it is a question we find ourselves answering even without trying, because after all, this is the only answer we can give truthfully.

Have I fulfilled all the things I set out to do this year?
Have I made my life worthwhile?
Have I done some good?
Have I screwed up real bad?
Have I done anything?

Everything answered at once. An entire year of your life dissected in a single go and I don’t know about you, but I usually find myself looking at a system i do not like and wish to change (but seldom do). And as a result I find myself making resolutions, silent promises of change that harbors the hope that things can be better. I find myself promising myself better and brighter things. i find myself believing in things i hadn't dared thought about earlier, and i find myself giving my all to make them true. A whole revolution later i usually find myself back at square one.

but that's not the point, is it?

This day is unlike any other, though in form and structure it may resemble the other 364 days to follow, its spirit is not the same. The simple changing of notation is enough to give us the confidence to dream once again, to set out on new adventures even though their success might be limited. Its like a spark that ignites tonnes of fuel strapped to a rocket, the turn of the starter that throws the engine into gear and sends a car screaming across the asphalt and though disaster is always a strong possibility, life would be meaningless without it.

Welcome to a new year, welcome to a whole new life.