All is quiet on New Year’s Day. A world in white gets under way. I want to be with you, be with you night and day. Nothing changes on New Year’s Day. —"New Year’s Day," U2
For many people, the Irish rockers’ words will ring true — nothing will change for them today, New Year’s Day. And truth be told, we pity them. The close of one year opens the door to another, and with it the opportunity to break from the routine. Boil it down and today is no better or worse than any other day, but the change of the calendar can serve as inspiration to bring change for the better in our lives.
On the front and back pages of this section we offer an array of ideas for residents to plug into their community to help make their lives and the lives of others more fulfilling. The programs presented just scratch the surface of East Valley volunteer activities, so we encourage readers to look around for more options.
Jan. 1 brings with it the ominous weight of resolutions, promises to ourselves to break bad habits, focus on neglected aspects of our lives and generally be better people. To keep those promises from turning empty before Valentine’s Day, resolve to make those changes in concert with others. Camaraderie can be a strong motivator (as can peer pressure).
So we say embrace the promise of a new year. Seize the opportunity to rekindle the fires that drive you. The song referenced above includes another line that gets to our point:
"I will begin again."
