Same Auld Lang Syne: For Old Time's Sake

"Same Old Lang Syne", whenever heard over the radio, has me reminiscing of times long past.

Of old friends with whom I've, regrettably, lost touch.

Of dear family and friends whom have passed on.

Of old flames, unrequited love, and those such things...

Of food times with friends, when we thought ourselves forever young and invincible; wise beyond our youth!

There was nothing else for us to know or to learn, we knew, (or thought we knew) all there was to know!

Although, it's laughable, that's the honest truth.

I certainly now understand phrases such as, "youth being wasted on the young", and, "if I only knew then what I know now".

Water under the bridge, there are no do-overs for what has been, has been!

There's always hope that in some way, and that, maybe, perhaps, somehow...

we will do it better the next time!

We can make it work out; we'll go above and beyond to make a difference, we can right the wrongs.

As we set forth, and then put forth the effort, to bring-together, rather than tear apart, dismantle and dis-unite.

Mistakes of the past must be lessons learned - not curses which serve as a ball and chain!

We must get past the notion of being forever-bearers of past mistakes.

But rather, focus on those things which work in making us better versions of our old selves.

Capable of compassion & empathy, with sincere and absolute care!

I have always believed that the Christmas season, the season of love, when we unselfishly and freely give, is the true time of reflection.

When we take a look within, on how it is that we have been, and should be - living.

Perhaps, with a brand New Year before us, no more resolutions, but rather, a Christmas goal, better yet, a Christmas prayer, may be set into motion...

I suppose it is as diverse as we are, one from another, what will move us, motivate us, challenge or change us.

I believe that through Divine Grace, we own that which has owned us, held us up, set us back...

That little voice from long ago, never left us, maybe just maybe... we stopped listening!

Learning to be better humans, growing in our faith, isn't a lofty goal. It's doable!

When we disengage and unplug; giving up on ourselves & on others, the only growing... is distance and the layers of a hardened heart.

It is a tale as old as time itself, whether our inner light will shine brighter with time, or dim with the load, we often choose to carry.

Whether we can start anew with a pep in each step or linger, lag, and get left behind, struggling in a space, we've often brought upon ourselves.

No matter on whom, or in what, we have placed all the blame.

It starts with me, myself and I whether my current status changes or is to remain a constant - unchanged, unchallenged -- same old!

In that place, I choose not to linger, and so, a toast, to a brand new year, of not living in the past, not wallowing in self-pity, but rather looking forward with vigor, with pep, with gusto, with zest.

I wish each and every reader, a renewed faith, new friendships, deeper love and understanding; nothing but --- the very best!

Much love,

AB Williams

Auld Lang Syne - a little history

Originally, a poem, by Scottish poet, Robert Burns.

The translation of "auld lang syne" into English, means, "old long since".

More commonly referred to as "for old time's sake" or "the olden days".

A lyric from the song, “We'll take a cup o' kindness yet”, refers to the tradition of raising a glass to good friends, good will, good life, and to kindness.

The poem, turned into song, was never intended to be a New Year's staple, but many of us couldn't imagine New Year's without it.

Cheers!