People like new starts. Mostly we do. I think that’s why we look forward to the New Year – it is new and it gives us a chance to start fresh again. We like it so much that most New Year’s celebrations have become an excuse to consume large quantities of alcohol, kiss people we don’t know, and be ridiculously happy.

I guess there’s a point to all this; out with the old, in with the new. That’s probably how the tradition of the New Year’s resolution started.

Personally I don’t make resolutions anymore. Don’t get me wrong, I do believe in trying to surpass what I’ve accomplished the year before and I do try to be a better and more rounded person that learns new things and improves but I do it throughout the year.

And speaking of rounded, I’m more rounded alright, I gained an extra 20-25 pounds that I really didn’t need. But it’s the Holidays and the food was everywhere I turned and it looked and tasted good. It also made me feel good. I know there’ll be a lot of resolutions made to lose weight – especially the extra weight – which is funny because one of the things about the holidays that most of us look forward to is the good food.

If you drink this New Year’s Weekend, please make sure you have a designated driver with your group or if not, take a cab or call for a uber. One or two drinks will make you feel good, but if you get pulled over by the police while intoxicated, that will not make you feel good, I promise you. Knowing the reality, it could be much worst… Be Safe!

The police know it’s a big drinking holiday celebration and they’ll be only too happy to remove you from the road and provide nightly accommodations as well. You will probably not want to kiss anyone at your overnight stay.

So yes, we all have obstacles to get through and goals to achieve. It is a time to take inventory and set our priorities right again. But let’s be smart about it and do it in a responsible way that won’t endanger the lives of others.

While I don’t make New Year’s resolutions anymore, I am truly grateful for all the blessings of 2015 . . . . . It has been a good year in so many ways and it certainly presented it’s fair amount of challenges for me. Thank you all for help, your donations, and encouraging words and for your moral support. I could not have done it without you! Thank you my dear friends.

Have a marvelous New Year and may good health, prosperity and happiness be yours now and into 2016.

God Bless, P.W.

If you would like to give back, donate your time, talents and monies in 2016 – donate to: Crime Survivors, Inc. www.crimesurvivors.org

If you would like to enter a 5k Run Walk, enter the Survive and Thrive Run Walk Health & Safety Expo on Saturday, April 16, 2016. www.surviveandthriverunwalk.org

If you are planning an event, catering, corporate, social or private meeting or gathering, or even a wedding, please let Creative Coordinating help! www.creativecoordinating.com

And, finally, don’t forget to follow me on my blog at www.passionforhope.com

Here’s to 2016…

“May what you see in the mirror delight you, and what others see in you delight them. May someone love you enough to forgive your faults, be blind to your blemishes, and tell the world about your virtues.”