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Happy New Year! We at The Sputnik hope you had an amazing holiday break, and had an awesome time ringing in 2016.

New Years is a really special time because no matter what it never ceases to inspire. Even though we all may fail at our resolutions or goals year after year, we still try again, and we always really believe that this year, all our resolutions will be fulfilled. You could see that statement as something to be cynical about, but I think differently. I think the fact that year after year we can pick ourselves back up and try to do the same thing we have fallen short of countless times before as an amazing testament to the human will.

Just like the Toronto Maple Leafs fan can get his hopes up every time the Leafs make the playoffs, even though they know they will be let down, there is something in this willingness to try again that makes us stronger. It let’s us know that nothing really fell apart when we missed the mark before. Also, the past has no hold on us, which is why we celebrate the new year, not a celebration of the year that just passed. Whether we achieve our goals this year, or if our lives get better is not really the point. What is important is that we try, if we think we need to.

Chances are, as students, there are a million different things you want to try or get better at this year, whether it is your studies, art, relationships, or health, or maybe something that isn’t cliché. I sure know there are things I will be trying this year, and I am super excited about the challenge, and the journey.

If you think that the concept of making resolutions is counter-productive or harmful, that is fair, and if you have no resolutions this year that is great too. But if there is something you want to try, now is as good as a time as anyway. Just like it will be in February, and June. It is important to remember that there is good reason to be inspired at the New Year, but that January is not the only time we can or need to try new things. Remember this next time you fall short and are critical of yourself.

Now that we have touched on all the usual stuff associated with this time of the year, let’s look at what else there is to come. Such as the second half of the school year. Whether you are graduating in April and are nervous, or are sick of the cold already and eagerly awaiting the warm hope that April brings, there are still four months until that time comes. Nobody knows what will happen, so try and make a point of being present, and enjoying each week and each month.

The new year is not just an occasion for us to try to be happier with ourselves 12 months from now, but it is an opportunity for us to forget the crap that happened the last 12 months. But most importantly, it is a chance for us to make another 12 months of mistakes and find a year’s worth of success.

That is what is truly worth celebrating about the new year – that we are able to spend some more time with the people we love and do the things we like to do.

The new year is not just an occasion for us to try to be happier with ourselves 12 months for now, but it is an opportunity for us to forget the crap that happened the last 12 months. But most importantly, it is a chance for us to make another 12 months of mistakes and find a year’s worth of success.

That is what is truly worth celebrating about the new year – that we are able to spend some more with the people we love and do the things we like to do.