Resolutions

Every couple years I count down to the New Year with a boisterous group—only to experience an awkward moment at the stroke of midnight. As the room pairs off into couples embracing, ringing in the New Year with a kiss, I find myself alone, staring stiffly at a crack in the ceiling. It’s one of the few moments in life when seconds feel like an eternity. When it seems that enough time has passed to plaster, sand and paint that crack in the ceiling, the music resumes. And so does life.

As I get older, the New Year approaches more quickly than it did the year before. My post-college years have become a complete whirlwind—and time freezes only to celebrate life and mourn loss. I’ve learned to lend the fleeting moments to the people and activities that I truly love—to focus on what I do have instead of…architectural flaws.

I’ve never made a New Years resolution—and it’s not for lack of ambition. I just think that the time to learn, change and grow is now. Not tomorrow, not next week and definitely not next year. Last year, I opted for a personal mantra instead of a resolution: “2008 is going to be great!”

Although I didn’t cross paths with Mr. Right in 2008, it was a really great year. So while the stroke of midnight on January 1st may sound the alarm to my solo status, I’d rather plaster, sand and paint a crack in the ceiling than spend one more New Year’s with Mr. Wrong. Instead, I choose to celebrate another year blessed by family and special friends.

My mantra this year? “2009 is my time to shine!” But I think I’ll start today.

Happy New Year!