Whether it be carrying around an empty suitcase, preparing the pork and sauerkraut, opening the doors and windows at midnight or simply staying up for the countdown to another year, New Year’s Day brings with it a host of traditions and superstitions that help us get into the spirit of welcoming a new year.

One of those traditions is the making of resolutions to better ourselves in the coming year: diet and exercise, being more frugal and fiscally responsible, quitting a bad habit, being kinder and more compassionate … there are ways in which we hope to make a difference for ourselves, our families and our communities in the coming 365 days.

Sticking to those resolutions isn’t always easy. Nevertheless, today is filled with the possibility that we can do it. That we can be better.

Certainly we’re not going to be able to do everything we’d like, all at once. But every journey starts with a single step, and this is a chance to take that step.

The thing is, there will be other chances: tomorrow, the next day … four weeks from now. The new year is a milestone, but our opportunity to improve ourselves – or our world – resets every minute of every day.

As we look forward to all of 2023 stretched out before us, celebrate responsibly, and imagine how wonderful the year might be if we were all simply determined to be better and do better for each other. We are capable, should we decide to aim for such a goal.

If we try, it will truly be a happy New Year.