by Ana L. Palles

The end of the old year and the beginning of the new find us with our collective pens poised in mid air as we start to think of that list of resolutions. Like any year, our review of the past leaves us with a mixture of smiles and regrets. For some of us, it was a wonderful year marked by new births, weddings, good health, the return of loved ones and financial prosperity. For others, the year has been punctuated by losses and challenged health. For the majority, it was a bittersweet mix.

Our culture reminds us that it is time to wave the past goodbye at year end and look with expectancy at what the turning of the calendar page brings. We can choose at this time whether we plan to be an observer or participant. Do we take an active role in shaping the year ahead, or do we stand back and let life happen?

Americans are an action-oriented people. This hodge podge of cultures: Africans, Asians, Hispanics, Irish, Middle Easterners, Natives have all been stirred together to form what is known collectively as Americans. The newly released film starring Will Smith, "The Pursuit of Happyness", characterizes the many, many personal stories of struggle and success, not just relevant here in the States, but globally. The strength of will and power of the INDIVIDUAL to change one's life and seek that dream. The human race is amazing in their resilience and abilty to overcome great odds to make life better for themselves and their children.

New Years bring hope to learn from the past, but to start on a fresh slate. New Years offer a promise of a better future as a result of standing on the foundations and sweat of the past. New Years give us a chance to choose what we want in the days ahead.

It starts with a decision. What does the New Year mean for you? What do you want it to look like? All of us have choices even when we think the choices are preordained. Americans admire stories about self-made men and women, people that beat the odds and achieve what they set out to do. We have examples all around us of everyday people that have blazed a trail ahead, that have shown us how it is done.

Make a decision, what will your life look like in the coming year? Of all the paths that have been walked by our many role models around the world, choose one. Decide that you are going to do it. Make the coming year what you want it to be. It is your choice.

Make a decision.