“As long as I am breathing, in my eyes, I am just beginning”—Criss Jami
They say that “old is gold” but somehow the word ‘new’ has a tantalising feel to it whereby it transforms the mundane into something to look forward to with greater hope. A daring act of adventure instills excitement that brings on a rush of adrenaline. A new house, a new car, or even a new dress can invoke a pleasant sensation that wears off after some time yet the fact that it started as something new lingers on long.
Research shows that using new things is stimulating for the brain releasing dopamine that helps to boost mood, raising self-esteem and creativity. The sense of curiosity is enhanced, especially when it involves the latest technology enabling humans to undergo novel experiences. Fear of the unknown cannot be understated as also the courage that takes to adapt oneself to different and unique situations. Every fresh step is accompanied by its peculiar challenges. Moving out of one’s comfort zone too can be overwhelming but the urge for modern-day objects and style are sufficient motivators to egg on people.
The downside of these desires can, however, lead to excessive consumption, compulsive buying disorder, rapid boredom phases, and a state of dissatisfaction with one’s life and can even be distracting because of loss of focus that may be financially detrimental for some. Nonetheless, there is nothing that can deter the adventurous from experimenting and the ordinary from appreciating the contemporary. Perhaps the motive of turning a new leaf for some could be that all past follies are atoned therefore they should be forgiven and that also seems a prime reason for welcoming and celebrating the arrival of a new year.
Since ancient times, the advent of a new year has been accompanied by festivities for multiple reasons among which, astrology plays a pivotal role. By the way, the term ‘new year’ has different connotations for different nations meaning thereby that rather than the first January, it could commence on the 21st of March as per ancient Persians or the autumn equinox for the Assyrians or 1st of Muharram as in the lunar calendar. However, to establish a unified comity, the entire world follows the Gregorian system of marking days—one matter that does not induce conflict! The Roman Catholic Church adopted this calendar in 1582 and restored the first day of January as the opening of a new year.
The custom of making resolutions to let go of bad habits to be replaced with better ones also dates back to the Babylonians 4000 years ago but author Anaïs Nin once said: “I made no resolutions for the New Year. The habit of making plans, of criticising, sanctioning and molding my life, is too much of a daily event for me”. However, we still make resolutions.
People of Pakistan deserve a break from the perpetual nonsense that has been haunting them for decades where their very existence is becoming questionable
With the advent of 2025, there is great jubilation as if all the horrors of 2024 would get erased with the rising sun on 1st January 2025 and the dawn would cast a healing light on victims of mass destruction. Events are consequences of events, with the cycle continuing regardless of changes in the datelines as we move ahead in the future. Anything done in the past cannot be changed but yes, we can resolve to alter the future.
Carrying on the idea that what we do on the first day of the year is like foretelling whatever we shall do in that year, collectively we must resolve to, if not do, at least promise to ourselves that we shall change this world for the better. Looking outwards or from a higher platform we can observe how on very petty issues, humans are quick to eliminate each other without even considering that the neurological connections with which we are closely attached can resonate in a backlash as has been happening over centuries. The act of cutting each other’s throats has not borne fruitful results for the powerful who lust for control over the planet.
An appropriate example as of today is the addition of three North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) countries viz., Norway, Spain, and Ireland are among 146 countries that recognise the state of Palestine. This is in fact, the beginning of new beginnings unless the remaining countries are still in a delusional state. This major decision taken by the trio is bound to have positive results for the journey towards peace, which by itself is a great stride for humankind. It also reflects on the frustration that humans around the world are suffering from, due to divisive and unholy maneuvers of ‘civilised’ heads of state. Perhaps 2025 might become a landmark in modifying their mindset.
On the national level and in the aftermath of the 2022 insanity, there are talks about reconciliation and a move in the direction of concluding the present political impasse between those who matter in this Land of Pure. Again, a positive note on the commencement of 2025. People of Pakistan deserve a break from the perpetual nonsense that has been haunting them for decades where their very existence is becoming questionable. In the absence of a satisfied life, what good are concrete structures over which there is so much stress and no care for the underprivileged?
As individuals, we should also resolve to raise above trivial matters in our homes and workplaces. We have no way of knowing at which moment we will take our last breath so what is the fun in fighting over money, inheritance, status, property, and what not? If we can just sit down and arrive at some compromises, the courts would be rid of innumerable cases that are lying there for eons. Instead of promising ourselves a new car or bungalow in the New Year, if only we decide to look at our lives from another perspective one never knows, these objects may just glide into our possessions without actually hurting anyone else.
May 2025 hold blessings of peace and productive opportunities for the whole world.