The Real New Year

To me, every Winter Solstice feels like the real first day of the new year. The Earth has completed its transit and has tilted its farthest away from the Sun. In our part of the world, the day is brief, and cold. Yet now, the Earth begins to spin closer and tilt in to the sun for warmth. That's the true beginning of a new year, not the arbitrary calendar date decided by a committee. It makes sense to me to listen to the Earth, and look to the Sun for the rhythms and cadences of life. Of course, most people get a day off work on the first of January, which isn't that far away, allowing people a little respite after the frantic holidays before they resolve change their lives and to return to the gym. But for my part, I prefer to take a few moments on the Solstice itself for a little reflection and a little resolution, when the Earth gives me the nudge.