A New Beginning

This is the first post on this blog, a forum that I am using to try and redirect focus to more positive aspects of life. I knew it would be hard to find examples of positive aspects of humanity, but I did not think it would be near impossible. I primarily looked at news organizations from outside the United States, hoping they would have more positive stories, but apparently that is not true.

After looking for a couple hours and getting frustrated at my poor luck I started looking at pictures of New Year's Eve celebrations around the world, and realized that would be a perfect topic to start my blog. There is something about New Year that captures the joy and magic of people from all walks of life.

I for one love watching videos of the celebrations from all over the world. In every video you see jubilation and excitement. I always think back to the one time that I was in Times Square for New Year's eve, and how people from all over the world were there, and people were all exuberant and talking to complete strangers. Never before have I seen so many people drop their inhibitions about people of different orientations, religions, cultures, race, et cetera. One would think that having so many people, in this case close to 2 million, corralled in such tight space for more than 8 hours would wear on people, and they would be disgruntled, but the opposite is true in this case. The anticipation and exuberance just built over time, and I felt that after the ball drop I was saying good bye to life long friends. What made this experience hit home even more is the fact that I am not a very social person by nature. I am one of those wall flowers, or creepers as some say, that stands and listens.  Only after warming up and getting to know people, or after many drinks, do I start to joke around and enjoy the company. On that evening I was like a new being, and I enjoyed it immensely.  It is definitely something I look forward to doing in the future with the family.

The thing I like about New Year is that it causes people to stop and reflect about themselves, their hopes and dreams. These reflections lead to discussions among people, and build more bonds.  Though not many people keep their resolutions, the fact that for a brief moment so many people are willing to change for the better, the fact that people are willing to discuss things that can improve the world are a step in the right direction. 

Watching people from countries and cities around the world celebrate and enjoy the company of so many is something I wish would happen more often. Listening to people open up to their friends and family about their wishes and goals is pleasant to hear.  Now I am not so gullible as to believe that everyone in the world was celebrating with all pretensions gone, or that everyone is serious about change, but I think it is the only day of the year where the possibility exists. 

Here is to lots of people creating small flames coming together to start a fire; a fire of change. Here is to a new beginning for one and all!

Take a look at some great celebrations