Yes, a new year is upon us. Like it or not, time marches on. Is this, in itself, a reason to be happy?

I know a number of people who, at this very moment, are grieving the loss of a loved one. I know a number of people who are dealing with life-threatening illnesses. I know a number of people whose complicated and challenging life situations could be described as anything but “happy.” 

All we have to do is look around and we are sure to see people dealing with homelessness, addiction, financial concerns, violence, and various mental health issues. The political division in our country today is disconcerting. The absence of peace in many parts of our world, and the suffering of so many people living in those regions, is heartbreaking. Despite all this, we celebrate the arrival of the new year by proclaiming “Happy New Year!”

Why?

One response to this question might be that this annual proclamation is a challenge — and an invitation, perhaps, to accept the notion that happiness is a choice. I’m certainly not saying that it’s an easy choice. For many people, these are difficult times. Happiness can easily seem elusive, if not altogether unattainable. Yet, we are reminded by Dr. Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, who wrote: “The last of the human freedoms: to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.” Powerful words.

Frankl does not suggest that choosing one’s attitude is always easy. I’m sure it wasn’t easy for him during his time in the concentration camp in Auschwitz. He does, however, remind us that the option of choosing happiness is available to us — difficult as our circumstances may be.

Dag Hammarskjöld served as Secretary-General of the United Nations from April 1953 to the time of his death in September 1961. One of his many contributions to civilization was these simple words — words which may help us to embrace happiness in our lives, not only on New Year’s Day, but throughout the year, as well. He wrote, “For all that has been, thanks. For all that will be, yes!” Hopeful words.

I wish you all the best in 2023. Seriously!