New Year

In the Cosmic Calendar our home, planet Earth, is adding another year to the 13.8 billion-year history. This emphasizes the briefness of our individual lives and human history within the vastness of cosmic time. New Year symbolizes a small but significant milestone in the ongoing evolution of the universe. It represents the continuation of life's journey on our planet as it continues to spin around the Sun.

New Year coincides with the Northern Hemisphere's the shortest day of the year. So this event marks the gradual return of sunlight and longer days, symbolizing renewal and rebirth. Different cultures celebrate their new year at different times. But as a universally accepted calendar, New Year's day on the Gregorian Calendar is celebrated by all cultures. So New Year's Day can be considered as a celebration of the humanity on Earth.

New Year's day is a time to reflect on the past year and set goals for the year ahead. They can be big or small, personal or professional, but they should all be something that you're excited about and committed to achieving. Here are some popular New Year's resolutions:

• Health and fitness: Getting healthy and fit can improve your energy levels, mood, and overall well-being. Some specific goals you could set include eating healthier, exercising more regularly, or getting enough sleep.
• Personal growth: It can be anything from learning a new skill to overcoming a fear. If you're not sure where to start, think about what you've always wanted to do but never had the time or courage to try.
• Financial goals: Getting your finances in order can give you peace of mind and set you up for success in the future. Some common financial goals include saving more money, paying off debt, or investing for retirement.
• Relationships: Spend more time with loved ones, make new friends, or improve your communication skills.
• Career: Get a promotion, start your own business, or make a career change.

The success rate of New Year's resolutions is notoriously low. Studies suggest that Only 8% to 12% of Americans successfully keep their New Year's resolutions: A 2007 study by the University of Scranton found that just 8% of people adhered to their resolutions after six months. A 2016 study by the University of Bristol put the figure at 12%.

Reasons for low success rates is setting overly ambitious or vague goals. Without a clear plan and supportive environment sticking to resolutions can be challenging. Breaking established habits and relying solely on willpower can be difficult. It is possible to increase success rate by:

• Set SMART(Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) goals
• Break down your goals into smaller steps and create a timeline.
• Monitor your progress and celebrate achievements.
• Don't be discouraged by setbacks, focus on progress.

Let us celebrate the vibrant threads of culture, language and belief that weave us together. We are united by a shared yearning for understanding and connection. Let us not be bystanders in the unfolding drama of life. Let us be the artists, the poets, the architects of a brighter tomorrow. Let us write stories of courage, paint landscapes of compassion, and build bridges of understanding across divides. May the whispers of the new year carry the promise of healing, the rhythm of innovation, and the symphony of shared humanity.

Happy New Year!