"Happy" New Year?

I have an annual tradition of asking people (only on NYE) two things: what was the best part of (insert current year), and what was the worst? In my family, there was death, disease, and dissolution, so I actually didn't ask everyone what the worst part was - I already knew. Interestingly though, people had to think about the best thing that happened. Like really think about it. I'm not just talking about one or two people, either. Multiple people. MULTIPLE!! Some people changed the subject, redirected back to me, or told me they'd have to get back to me. I was/am/will continue to be stunned. Was 2012 really that bad? I know each year has its ups and downs, but so many downs that a favourite moment cannot be recollected? Keep in mind, I was not soliciting answers from the cancer ward at our local hospital, nor was I standing outside of Souls Harbour Rescue Mission. I was asking people from ages 32 to 87. People who are middle to upper-middle class. This is not a good commentary on my demographic.

Has our society become simpatico with Facebook where moments can only be validated by other people giving them the "thumbs up"? Or are people measuring themselves against other serial fb posters who would lead us to believe that they are living the best life imaginable. Every. Single. Effing. Day. (Yes, it's very nice that you have a fully homemade breakfast ready for your family and neighbours each morning, while listening to your children recite the Pythagorean Theorem in English, German, Cantonese and Zulu, after which you send a care package of knitted booties toward the plight of the Tibetan Mountain Goats who are suffering from cold hooves). It's not real. I can only hope that majority of people are not using others as their own measuring stick.

Was it all the sad news that came to be in December? The Newtown Massacre, the Japanese earthquake, the fiscal cliff crisis? Sad news a little closer to home, perhaps? Again, I have no answer.

No doubt, 2012 wasn't without its challenges, but let's not allow that to have any bearing on 2013. I challenge you to keep a running list of the good stuff that happens to you this year. Grab a Ziploc baggie, or a jar, whatever. Each time something good happens to you, or something makes your day brighter, write it down, fold up the little piece of paper and put it in your baggie/box/drawer. At the end of the year, re-read the entire bunch of good stuff that's happened to you. You'll likely be amazed. Perhaps grateful. At the very least, you'll have an answer when I ask you the same question in 363 days.

My best moment: Birth of our daughter
My worst moment: read previous blog entry

Happy New Year!