Wishing you a smooth ride in the new year

By Jamie Rieger

Another year has come and gone much too quickly. As another chapter closes, we get ready to embrace the new year with open and welcoming arms.

Starting a new year is kind of like starting a new and exciting chapter in a good book. One never quite knows what to expect, but there is a good chance there will be a few surprises with what lies ahead.

Some of those surprises will delight and encourage laughter; others will bring tears and perhaps, grief.

The path we set for ourselves very seldom goes in a straight line from start to finish, but rather is filled with curves and turns, valleys and hills. No matter what, though, we venture forth, regardless of the steep climbs, the sharp curves, or the muddy waters.

Some people relish the unknown and can dig their heels in quite well when the climb gets too steep. Others would rather cruise along at a nice, steady pace without much interruption.

All of us prepare for those rough waters and steep climbs as best as we can; but still we are thrown for a loop from time to time.

They say we must take the bad to fully appreciate the good and I believe that to be true. It’s like taking the cold of winter with the sunny days of summer. One is much more appreciative of the nice temperate days after bearing through ones where the windchills are hovering in the minus-40 range.

As we ring in the New Year, let’s reflect on the events of the past year – the good, the bad, and the ugly – and learn from these experiences. Every event has a message we can learn from, whether we can immediately see it or not.

As we move forward, let’s welcome the next 12 months and make them the best days for ourselves and those around us as we can. Having a positive outlook will make the ride a lot less bumpy and much more enjoyable, despite any potholes or steep climbs along the way.

Happy New Year!

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