By Cynthia Martin

For the Sequim Gazette

Most of us in some way celebrate the new year on New Year’s Eve and the first day of the year. It is a new year and things will be better than ever is what most people hope for. But what can be different? There are special ways to actually celebrate the occasion.

One effective way to celebrate the New Year is to think about the many ways last year was successful for you. What really went right in 2024? See if you can think of ten things that went just the way you wanted them to go. Was there one meal that stands out as a special dinner for you? What was your special time with your favorite person? Between all of the holidays in which gifts are given, which one was the best one for you? Remember all the purchases you made during the year. Which one was your favorite for the whole year? Think of other events that added to your life in special ways.

Another way to celebrate this special year would be to think about what you did that was meaningful to you. Do you remember talking with someone who really needed to talk? Did you talk with someone who has been very ill and who needs to talk to others? Your calling or visiting someone who needs to hear from others is a helpful gesture. That is a special call to make.

Have you told someone who means a lot to you that you love them? That is a very important conversation to have with someone this year.

Have you smiled and said hello to your neighbors? Neighbors can become our new friends or at least our special support people. Get to know them by reaching out to them now.

Have you hugged your children as much as you wanted to or should have this year? Make sure you are responding more to their positive behavior than their negative behavior. Let your children know you recognize the many good things they are doing.

Did you donate to a charity you appreciate? Find out how they help others and see if you want to help them. Donations of any amount can make an important difference.

Did you volunteer to help an organization you know needed extra help? There are many who need volunteers. This is a different way to help others and to share the workload.

Did you call your aging relatives and let them know you are thinking of them? Conveying these kinds of loving and thoughtful feelings is an important, positive thing to do.

So begin this time of gratitude by first assessing what you have done this year and then to look at the many ways you can make the coming year even better. Be the best, most thoughtful person you can be. Make this coming year be filled with more thoughtful minutes and hours than ever before.

And I wish you a very Happy New Year!

Cynthia Martin is the founder of the First Teacher program and former executive director of Parenting Matters Foundation, which published newsletters for parents, caregivers and grandparents.