Thoughts | Caught in the Middle

Now that we are a few days into the new year, I can't help but notice how hard it is to let go of 2015. When I sign my name, my hand automatically scribbles down "1/5/2015" on the date line. When I look at my milk's expiration date, I happily smile to see "2015." But then, I luckily realize -- nope, that's expired. It's like I'm caught in the middle. Not completely past 2015 but not completely into 2016. Although difficulty adjusting into the new year happens, indeed, every year for me, I began to think a lot more about why this is so...

A year, compared to other time recordings (such as hours, days, or even months) is the longest lasting. It's these four little numbers that, for 365 days, will always be the same despite what happens to the minutes that go by, the months that pass, and the events that occur in between. Starting a new year, therefore, is like starting a new reference point for everything else to move or change across as time passes. It's tough for our minds to reset that point, despite the fact that it's simply just four little numbers. Maybe this is why the New Year is always such a celebration or notable event, even though changing from December 31 to January 1st is no different than any other two days in the year. With the New Year, we are all resetting a major reference point in our lives at the same time. That's kind of awesome. 

And despite how seemingly annoying writing the wrong year or nearly drinking expired milk may be, I really like watching my mind grapple and then succeed with establishing a new framework over time. It's such a comforting metaphor. It's as if other lasting reference points in our lives, like major events (moving or starting grad school), challenges (loss or sickness), or states of existence (single or married), will in due course transition into or out of our lives despite how difficult that may be at first. 

So, for now, I'm going to chuckle as I cross out 2015 and scribble 2016 on top. It's my mind saying, "Hey, it's still a work in progress. But we'll get it soon, don't worry."

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How has your new year been so far? Anything that has surprised or challenged you? Feel free to share below!

Above photograph from my travels to the Maldives in June of 2015.