Hey, I know that is not the typical greeting that you get this time of the year, but let me explain. If you are anything like me, you probably approach each new year thinking, “This is going to be MY year! Enough of this shit. This is the year that I’m finally going to……(pick one):

-meet my soul mate

-lose weight

-kick that addiction

-run a marathon

-get rich

-learn how to play the guitar

-rescue panda cubs in China”

I could go on and on, but you get the picture. We set these unrealistic goals for ourselves and then most likely end up disappointed. Let’s face it, for example, the likelihood of you actually meeting a panda cub in need of rescuing is about the same as the likelihood of meeting an ugly Kardashian. Not going to happen. Yet we lay there in bed on January 31^st, dreaming of all the exotic possibilities that lie before us, like a big sheet of blank paper waiting to be colored with the most memorable year of our lives!

As I reflect back over the years of my life, there are some that hold a special place in my memory because of something wonderful that happened, like having my children (1995, 1997, 2005); getting a new job (1998); and moving into my dream home (2003). Then there are many other years that hold painful memories, like my marriage ending (2002); Ben’s diagnosis of autism (2008); and my diagnosis of cancer (2011). However, in my 47 years on this planet, most of them hold no specific, life-altering memory. Like 1988, for example. Nada. I do know that I was 20 years old and in my third year of University, but as for any special memories of that year, whether good or bad, I do not have the one. It was just one of the many, regular old uneventful, boring years of my life. The same can be said for 1977, 1994, 2009 and many other years. And guess what? It is for those years that I am grateful. I am grateful because no terrible misfortune befell me that year to forever scar it in my memory.

Will 2015 be a memorable year for you? Sure, it could be the year that you actually meet your soul mate or win the lottery, but maybe not. Hopefully 2015 will also NOT be the year that you are diagnosed with a terrible disease, lose someone you love, or experience financial ruin. My wish for you is that 2015 is one of those regular old boring years that makes up the majority of our lives; the years for which we all need to be grateful. Boring New Year!