Happy New Year!

Reflective thoughts from Katie on NYE:

            As I write this post, a couple is about to walk down the aisle at our very own War Memorial Center and say their I Do’s as the world leaves behind one year and welcomes another.  At first I thought NYE was an odd evening for a wedding, but now that I am here reflecting on the events of 2010, and anticipating what 2011 will bring, I find it absolutely appropriate.

            At the turn of a new year, many people take a look back on the experiences that helped shape the previous year, and decide to move forward with a new sense of anticipation, inspiration and motivation.  Many people make New Year’s Resolutions.  Most people look at the coming of a new year as a way to start over, make changes, do things differently, or as an opportunity to try again. 

            Many people also see a new year as an opportunity to continue on whatever path they are currently on, to be thankful for another year of health, happiness, and time with their friends and families.  As an opportunity to look back on all of the great things that brought them to where they currently stand, and dream even bigger and better about what they want to accomplish in the year to come.

            As I was thinking about these things, I had a thought about how interesting it is that the concept of a new year accompanies such reflective thoughts, that the passing of another year (or day really) brings with it a sense of renewal and opportunity to start fresh.  Why not the passing of any random day throughout the year?  What is it about the New Year?

            For two people choosing to commit their lives to each other, the day they select as their wedding day brings with it such emotions.  On that day, their lives change forever, and they are filled with anticipation, happiness, perhaps a little anxiety, and no doubt the feeling that from then on they will strive to achieve their dreams with the person they have chosen to spend their life with. 

            So, then, it makes perfect sense that on the day in which two peoples’ lives will change forever as they say their vows, so too perhaps will the lives of everyone else in the world, as we turn over a new leaf and welcome a New Year.  As they wake up to a new life, so too will the rest of us, as we start fresh in 2011. 

            Whatever the passing of another year and the entering of a new one means to you, I wish you all the happiest and safest of New Years.  Congratulations not only to our Bride and Groom, but to all of you, as you welcome a new year.  I wish you all health and happiness in 2011!