An Open Letter to the New Year

Dear 2013,

      As we, humanity, approach your commencement, many will reflect on the previous year and how we've lived our lives. We'll make resolutions and are determined to live better as soon as you begin. This process seems to involve a sense of refocusing on things that are important to us so that when we come to your end, we'll look even more favorably on you than previous years. That's a lot of pressure and for that, I'm sorry. It's just that we feel you hovering out there in our consciousness, but know little about you. We're certainly aware that your debut is always in style, on the same night of the year, and that the other 364 nights serve as your denouement. After all is said and done on this night though, the majority are left unsatisfied and let down. And sadly enough, the rest of your days won't be any better for you. Get ready for the onslaught of resolutions and the heavy burden of blame when our diets, planned personality changes, and new found ambitions go south. That's not your fault though. We humans are clingy - we need life rafts, whether real or imagined – and if (when) we go down, we take you with us. The good news is that humanity has a short attention span - I'm sure most can't remember the promises of last year – so you'll receive forgiveness (unfortunately by eventually being forgotten).
      So rather than blaming you 2013, I hope that humanity tries taking our desires and ambitions seriously, whether our resolutions are as lofty as world peace or as humble as smiling more on a daily basis. As an unintended consequence of running away, I've been blessed enough to have a head start on finding the inspiration and emotional wherewithal to (hopefully) follow through on my hazy scheme for self-improvement. Here's to finding optimism, forgiveness, love, and resolve during your reign 2013.

Ryan