Time is a very unusual concept. We can’t see it physically with our eyes even as we may continually look to our clocks to keep us on schedule. In a word, it only exists to those who follow it. It purely a human invention.

Similarly, the end of the year is something only those who believe in it acknowledge. Nothing really happens between the minutes of 12:59 PM and 1:00 AM on New Year’s. It is simply the slipping by of another moment; that moment being of a concept of time. So why do we stay up every year to watch the ball drop? Optimism.

As humans, our eternal spring of hope seems to prompt us to wish for a better year. We yearn for a brighter future even in the dark times when there seems to be no light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. And on New Year’s eve and day, we look forward to the times ahead of us, no matter what they may be. We make resolutions, celebrate the passing of the holidays, and most importantly, we take a retrospective look at the times behind us.

For all of us, the new year is a time to make anew. The past is the past and the future is, well, unknown to us all. And to many, that is an exciting idea. I know it is to me. For the new year ahead, I have many things planned: the release of my new science fiction novel, to perhaps travel a little more and also to improve my general health. And you, as the reader, I am sure have plans of your own. I just have one request for you.

I want you to look at every day of your life as New Year’s day. The only limit here is yourself. Even the sky above us has been breached. The old saying – the sky is the limit – simply isn’t true anymore since space travel became a reality.

So instead of shooting for the moon, maybe you should think of the universe as your landing pad. Make every day count and always keep your chin up. Hope is eternal – limitless – but only if you chose to see it that way.

Best wishes for the New Year and may God bless you all. Tell me your plans for the New Year below. I’d love to hear them!

• Maggie Lynn Heron-Heidel (https://maggielynnheronheidel.wordpress.com/)

Daily Prompt ‘Renewal’