-as we embrace 2012
AS WE ring in 2012, we cannot help but reflect on all that has happened in our lives — the good, the bad and the indifferent. With this in mind, one must celebrate the start of the New Year with some form of thanksgiving, be it for spared lives, good health and strength, and all our good achievements, even as we make it our goal to work towards sustaining these in this New Year.
Guyanese each celebrate the New Year in their own style. Some ring it in at parties, others at churches; some do so in the company of family members at home, while others do it quite differently. Whatever we do, let us thank God that 2012 seems very prospective so far.

Goodbye to 2011
As we say goodbye to 2011, in our minds we know that a lot has happened, both personally and nationally, and all sorts of welcome changes have occurred for us; but our personal achievements must give us the strength to believe in ourselves as we set out our resolutions for the New Year.
The year 2011 was one with a lot of upsets, but it worked out well for some people, while it left some quite disappointed, and others bitterly so.
In the New Year, there are some personal things I wish I can change, or even improve, but old habits die hard. With that in mind, I am very hopeful that the personal and national lessons and experiences of 2011 would make me a better person in 2012.
As I prepare to usher in 2012, I do so with mixed feelings. On the one hand, I harbour a renewed sense of hope, dearly wishing that all my trials would soon be over, and there would appear –personally and nationally – the desired outcomes and situations I have long been waiting for. On the other hand, if my hopes are dashed, I would have to continue waiting; but wait I must, as time unfolds itself.
Sitting here, I am wondering what 2012 holds for me. I am not overly anxious, however, because I know I have achieved a lot in 2011; and despite some setbacks, I can safely say 2011 has opened my eyes to a lot of things I wish I did not know, and made me aware of the sort of people I surrounded my life with – those who could easily manoeuvre their way into my life and create a lot of heartaches for me.
Nevertheless, new challenges always bring out the best in me, and I’ll get by with the help of the Almighty. I have, thankfully, discovered that even after all this time, prayers can still move mountains, and there is always for me a solace being in the Arms of the Father.
I look forward to doing things differently in 2012, and I know most of us are probably thinking of all the things we wish we had done/not done in 2011; but it is not too late, after all, to pick up the pieces and move ahead at full speed in order to bring change into our lives.

Give thanks
Regardless of our resolutions, we must always remember to give thanks to the Great God above; and pray for life, good health, strength, and the faith and patience to deal with unkind people we encounter in the journey of life.
The year 2012 is upon us, and we have to welcome it individually. But New Year’s Day is often a pleasant time to spend with our families and loved ones, as we receive and give of the blessings with which God has blessed us.
Happy New Year to all!