Old Long Since is the English translation of the Scottish Auld Lang Syne.
It never occurred to me to wonder about the literal translation. I understood the sentiment as remembering the good times and looking forward to more. The utilitarian words Old Long Since sound less romantic and sentimental and are a suitable farewell to this past year in particular.
The collective euphoria at seeing the end of 2021 is understandable given the chaotic spiraling of much that was familiar and reliable in our lives.
Ironically, I have sensed myself moving from languishing to thriving recently. I don’t think it is just a giddy holiday hangover as others have shared having similar experiences. Maybe the seeds of hope and positivity we’ve planted over the past while have taken root and folks are poised to face 2022 with optimism and energy.
The American poet, Amanda Gorman, eloquently describes rising from the adversity of recent times in New Day’s Lyric. If you aren’t already familiar with her powerful new poem I encourage you to find it and read it in its entirety for a helpful, hopeful perspective. Here are just a few lines.
“In our hearts we hear it:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne.
Be bold, sang Time this year
Be bold, sang Time,
For when we honour yesterday,
Tomorrow ye will find.”
~ Amanda Gorman ~
Languishing created time to rest, rejuvenate, dream and to affirm what is important and essential in our lives. Gathering strength from the tribulations of 2021, it is time for us to be bold moving forward.
It’s hard to pinpoint what inspires a shift toward thriving but the more I resist self doubt, negativity and worry, the easier it is to be daring, grateful and content.
Whatever the reasons, numerous little epiphanies over recent weeks lead me to believe these are lasting changes for me. A fog is lifting and whatever storms may be ahead I trust that blue skies will follow.
In 2001 writer Neil Gaiman wrote the following New Year’s wish for his readers. It is still a favourite.
“May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art – write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.”
~ Neil Gaiman ~
May you be resolute in whatever bold plans you have for the future.
