Topic of the day: People think 2010 sucked and can't wait for 2011 so that they can "start over."
Sorry, but that's as illogical as saying, "Forgive and forget." You can always forgive someone who has wronged you, but you're never going to forget what they did. Similarly, you can look forward to the events that the new year holds for you, but there's no such thing as "starting over." Life isn't a game of Street Fighters II: Turbo! In reality, you don't get an extra life if you mess up. You don't get to replace yourself with Zangief, Guile, or some other personality when your Dhalsim attempts are failing (like how I used the Indian one as an example?). Furthermore, you can't beat up everyone who is a threat to your happiness or yell a hearty "HADOKEN!" while throwing blue flames in order to knock them to the ground.
2011 is merely a number and not an allegory for starting over. You can look forward to the rest of your life, but the feelings sparked by events that affected you in 2010, whether positive or negative, will carry over to 2011 - and affect you and possibly your decisions in 2011. Even if you do use this new year as an "out with the old, in with the new" window of opportunity, then you, my friend, are no different than the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz. You are running away from the past, instead of confronting that which is bothering you. You should be making amends or dealing with issues head-on, in a rational manner. Otherwise, you're going to wake up one day with regrets, and you're going to feel like it's too late to facilitate changes. I speak from personal experience when I say that it's usually not too late. People inherently underestimate each other. What they don't realize is that when they take that bold initiative, they are doing more than putting themselves at the risk of feeling humiliated. They are making others THINK. They are causing them to assess their current opinions and reform them, hopefully for the greater good.
With the countdown nearing, I present a challenge to all of you (and myself). Use this new year, not to start over, but to end! End what, you say? End your frustrations! How? A wise man once said, "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it anymore!" What did this man do correctly (albeit in a tempestuous manner)? That's right! He told the world what was on his mind, and this is how one serves as a catalyst for positive change. The next step, which is perhaps a bit more puzzling, is coming up with a solution. I dare you to take that next step, which varies depending on your situation.
That being said, I mainly wrote this because I'm bored. But I still meant every word. I hope you all have a happy new year! May you achieve that which you desire! Should misfortune come your way, remember that a good thing can potentially stem from a bad situation, whether a friendship, relationship, epiphany, or the glory of winning an entire Street Fighters game after being stuck on the same level for hours! :D
