Excitement of New Year
The dawn of 2024 has already unfolded, bringing with it the promise and potential of a new year. On the morning of New Year's Day, I found myself at the base of Mount Nam, embarking on my customary early climb. The familiar path was adorned with a vibrant energy that transformed the routine into something distinctly different. The air felt charged, and the people around me exuded a sense of renewal, creating an atmosphere of anticipation. Namsan Tower, adorned with countless love locks and wishes, stood as a testament to our collective aspirations.
While the idea of approaching each day as if it were new holds its own appeal, we cannot help but ponder the collective inclination to immerse ourselves in resolutions as the calendar resets. Reflecting on Aristotle's timeless wisdom that "there is no time without change," one begins to understand the profound connection between our perception of time and our awareness of change.
Contemplating which comes first, change or time, I as an ordinary observer navigating the mysteries of time and the universe, acknowledge my limited comprehension. It seems reasonable to assert that change and time are inseparable companions, influencing and shaping each other in an intricate dance.
As inhabitants of this ever-evolving world, the human spirit naturally gravitates towards bright hope and the pursuit of novelty. Instead of dwelling on past failures or glories, we ardently yearn for future success and hope. This perpetual pursuit is the heartbeat of humanity, propelling us to evolve and transform.
It seems that people's wishes, as seen in the multitude of desires, are not particularly unique; perhaps happiness lies in the ordinary. In fact, a life lived extraordinarily may be more challenging than a simple one. There is happiness in living an ordinary, regular life, yet within it, everyone may have their own special aspirations.
In the auspicious year of the Blue Dragon, I find myself weaving my own tapestry of New Year's resolutions. Although I have many, I will concentrate on three. Firstly, regardless of genre, I will read at least 36 books (three per month) this year and consistently write to create a small book. When the content becomes monotonous, I will intersperse it with my beautiful flower artwork and photos of landscapes I've captured over time, providing moments of relaxation. Secondly, while I may not become wealthy, I will create a small garden with my favorite flowers and trees, satisfying my own preferences. Thirdly, I will take a once-in-a-lifetime body profile photo. Achieving this goal will require prioritizing my basic health.
Publicly declaring one's goals is said to increase the likelihood of success. Therefore, I hope that by making my New Year's resolutions a firm commitment, I can proudly share my achievements without regret in January 2025, expressing new hope.
Shin Hye-suk (sinesu@naver.com), whose English name is Shindy, completed a Ph.D. in sociology and has devoted two decades of her life to academic pursuits at a university in Japan. She is also a flower artist and has served as president of Rotary International Seoul Club, Korea.