Feliz Año Nuevo

We have finally lived in Costa Rica long enough that the warm, dry season feels appropriate for the entrance of a new year. I enjoy the rituals surrounding this calendar event. They offer a chance to reflect on a set amount of time and most importantly, to look ahead and set goals and resolutions. Resolutions which include those we proclaim at the dinner table with friends and family, such as excersizing more and learning to cook Indian food. There are others that are closer to our souls. The ones that we may not say out loud, nagging desires that perhaps we will finally realize THIS year.

Anais Nin said, "Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage." Maybe a common goal we should all share is to have more courage. Courage to take the steps necessary to realize our dreams. We may need it in large or small doses, to make a small change in our daily routines, or take drastic measures for big life changes.

While many events unfold which we have no power over, our wishes and goals are all within reach. So, now that the last lines of 2007 have been written, I wish everyone the helping of courage needed to make 2008 a year rich in accomplishments.