A New Year, New Possibilities

Wow. The 2000s still sound like a sci-fi movie to me. I have Zager and Evans to thank for that! In the Year 2525, released in 1968, it predicts the end of the world and warns of the dangers of technology, medical exploitation, and, basically, greed, corruption, and power struggles.

Their words, as pessimistic and dark as they are, ring true and really aren’t that far off the mark. What a great way to deal with a Christmas spirit hangover! In today’s world, a world struggling to survive climate change, war, disease, and corrupt governments, it’s easy to forget the good things we do have. We need to keep that positive energy foremost in our hearts and go forth into 2024 with an optimistic attitude. It’s not burying our heads in the sand. It’s not pulling the blankets over our heads and hoping it will all go away. It’s survival. It’s the positive energy that will help us get through whatever the universe throws at us. Maybe it will help.

As the new year approaches, it’s time to reflect on what we have (or have not) achieved during the past 12 months. It’s also time to think about what we hope to do in the coming year.

I asked a few friends to share their wishes for 2024 with us! I hope their words inspire you to create and live by your own affirmations for the year.

• May this year bring you joy, love, and success in everything you do. (Karen, 68)
• These days, I often feel disheartened by the direction the world is going. It’s very tempting to give up on trying to make a difference, turn to escapist activities (thanks, Netflix!), and focus on myself and my immediate circle. What I wish for myself and for everyone is that we resist these urges. We may not be able to change the world, but we can have a positive impact through small acts of kindness in our daily lives. Give people the benefit of the doubt. Smile at others on the street. Chat with a stranger. Look for little ways you can brighten someone’s day. (Bonus: Being kind to others will lift your spirits, too!) (Kathryn, 64)
• A new year is like a fresh canvas. Dream large and believe in yourself. (Susan, 58)
• My wish for 2024 is that we slow down. Not jump from one crisis to the next. Not agonize over what the future might bring. Instead, let’s be in the moment. Have real heart-to-heart and face-to-face conversations. Experience the wonder of this beautiful blue globe we call home. And maybe get back in touch with who we are when we aren’t hurtling through time and space a mile a minute. Even for an hour a day. Because this moment is all we truly have. Breathe deep, dig down, and embrace the Now. (Glen, 56)
• May the New Year bring your family success, health, and pleasure. (Ross, 63)
• My wish for 2024 is that we see through the eyes of the young. We see the marvels of nature in the first snowfall, the touch of snowflakes on our tongue, find a tree worth climbing, or sit in its shade. We see ourselves doing our part to keep nature healthy. We know this is right. We see hands of all colours coming together, playing, working, creating, and learning. We see when others are hurt, and we choose to help. We see the people we love and care about and bound into their arms with exuberance. We tell them we love them, give squishy hugs and kisses, and trust them to hold our hand when needed. We see possibilities – we are forever in learning mode with eyes wide open, playful, joyful, truthful, inquisitive, and hopeful. (Janice, 65)
• Here’s to new beginnings. The new year is filled with possibilities and opportunities, so make the most of them. May all your dreams come true. (anon)
• Donna and I, now in our seventies, let the little girl in us come out to play. This holiday season, we went to Glow Saskatoon with a bunch of other seniors. You would never know we were ‘that’ age, as we all, despite walkers and wheelchairs, let the little child in us come out to play. We rode the train, sat on Santa’s lap, let our jaws drop open in wonder at the brilliant light displays, and got our station cards stamped so we could get a candy cane at the end of our tour. This is what I hope for us: that we let the child in us see the small wonders of this world. I love the quote from Henry David Thoreau, “It’s not what you look at that matters. It’s what you see.” (Kathie, 70)
• Honestly, when Julie asked me to write something, I did not know what to say. Yesterday (with today’s “looming deadline”), I had a conversation with a co-worker who inspired me to write this. For 2024, let’s all remember – we are each at a different place in our healing journey, and, for that reason, simply because you were born a human, allow yourself the same kindness, grace, and compassion that you would extend to others. When we live from a place of raw authenticity—not from ego—we create a deeper alignment with our soul self, which reflects beauty and love into the world. This is what we need more of right now. I hope 2024 gives you many opportunities for growth and that stepping fully into who you are provides a deeper connection to those you choose to include as part of your tribe. Sending you love and light and wishing you many blessings in the coming year. (Chris, 53)
• There’s a culture in my home country, Nigeria, where we name an incoming year. I don’t remember most of them anymore, but over the years I’ve heard words like Abundance, Breakthrough, Joy, Grace, Favour and similar positive words associated with a given year. The belief is that a thing becomes what it is named. As we begin 2024, for myself, my family, and friends, I have chosen the word – Discovery. In 2024, may you discover yourself, your talents, and true purpose. Now that we have a name, let’s go ahead and work towards its manifestation. Happy New Year! (Michael, 47)

And finally, from me: Let’s embrace the opportunity to start fresh, set goals, and create memorable moments together. Let’s welcome the new year with open arms and optimism. May your 2024 be filled with happiness, love, and positivity!