Grief & healing: Starting a new year
Beginnings are always important. And there are many types of beginnings. Among them are these:
• The birth of a child.
• The beginning of a relationship.
• The start of a new day.
• Entrance to the spiritual world after death.
• The first day and week of a new year.
The beginning of a new year is indeed an auspicious occasion. It gives us a great opportunity to reflect and look ahead.
Plan for the future. Think about tomorrow and where we’ve been on life’s journey. It’s amazing to me how many twists and turns it has. And surprises.
On New Year’s Day, and during the first week, I always take some time each day to think about the year ahead. And the past too.
I find this annual ritual is calming and even comforting. It’s another one of those good habits I learned from my dear Baheej. Of course he figures heavy into my reflections, helps me keep calm, keep my anchor down.
Of course we don’t have total control of the future, but we have significant control, at least when it comes to our own choices and actions. Baheej understood the importance of adaptation over time — adapting to the challenges, problems and opportunities we face.
The point is: This habit of reflecting and anticipating can really help over time. Get the help needed, embrace opportunities that come, and enjoy 2025!
• Susan Anderson-Khleif of Sleepy Hollow has a doctorate in family sociology from Harvard, taught at Wellesley College and is a retired Motorola executive. Contact her at sakhleif@aol.com.