In one of her songs, Carolyn Arends wrote, “every day is new years day.” The idea being we can start over, begin anew, whenever we like. We don’t have to wait for some prescribed date. I appreciate this sentiment.

I also see the value in marking the new year. It is a ritual. It is an aligning with the seasons – whenever we celebrate the new year. We re-orient ourselves with a greater whole. For many around the world, we will celebrate the beginning of another year in a few days. The marking of the time helps us to let go of what has been, so our hands (and hearts) might be open for what will be.

The new year is not magic; it does not suddenly heal wounds, mend relationships, or fix finances. The new year invites a psychic or emotional unclenching. The invitation is for hope. It will not always be this year; it will not always be like this. The year changes, and so might our lives.

The past couple turns of the year have tempered my enthusiasm for how Great the New year will be. It will be new, with a lowercase ’n’. We do not know what this new year will bring. We can reasonably expect heartache and joy, hope and disappointment, pain and healing, loss and growth -for all these are the ingredients of life. We can trust it will not be like this year. We will face new puzzles. We will find new solutions.

In this newest of years, may hope be your companion and courage be your guide.