Entering a new cycle around the sun is a funny thing. There are so many expectations, promises, resolutions, good riddances…and parties. This year, however, the whole thing has taken a rather darker turn, at least in my circles. My social media is full of negativity about 2016, to the point where I believe 2016 will be happier to be rid of us than we are of it.

In the grand scheme of things, 2016 was not a tragic year for most, especially if you look at it through a wide lens. Undoubtedly, for some, it was the worst year ever, yet for others it was a period of great happiness. For everyone, though, it was just another year, chock full of things beyond our control, as well as those rare opportunities to triumph, or to fail miserably. I know that I have several items in both columns—instances where my actions did effect change, and not always for the better. I am not perfect. I have helped people and I have hurt people—and I cannot change that, but I will try and right my wrongs and do more where I am able to help. As for 2017, I am certain that I will continue to fail, and continue to succeed. The tricky part in this balance is avoiding the urge to sit in misery and complain or, conversely, to rest on my laurels.

There is a prayer I use often—The Serenity Prayer. In its shorter version, it reads:

Every time I am faced with a decision, a conflict, an upheaval, an opportunity, I whisper this mantra and try and figure out what, if anything, I can, and should, do. Often, there isn’t much. And I don’t believe inaction is a cop-out—it’s simply reality and the acceptance that I have no more power over other people and circumstances than I do the forward marching of time. When I do act, I try to do so according to my beliefs and then I let go of the results—I have no control over those. I’ve found that railing against an unintended outcome just leaves me uselessly pissed off. But there are those things I can control, where my efforts are far better rewarded. I am better served, and can serve better, when I ask myself, “OK, there’s nothing I can do about that, so what can I do?”

For me, this year has seen an awful lot, both good and bad, much like any other year. What I am certain of is that today I will try and eat something healthy, as well as something unhealthy, do a little exercise, help a friend get out of a slump, pick up a piece of litter and go to the movies. It’s not exactly earth-shattering, revolutionary stuff, but it’s a full day. I’ll likely do much the same thing tomorrow.

Happy New Year!