“Auld Lang Syne, Scottish song with words attributed to the national poet of Scotland, Robert Burns. The composer is not definitely known. In English-speaking countries, the first verse and chorus are now closely associated with the New Year festival.

The lyrics of “Auld Lang Syne” are in the Scots language. The title, translated literally into standard English, is Old Long Since. The words can be interpreted as since long ago or for old times’ sake. The lyrics are about old friends having a drink and recalling adventures they had long ago. There is no specific reference to the new year.”

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Auld-Lang-Syne

Traditions, things people do and often have no idea why. Do you participate? Why OR Why Not? Which ones?

I spend far more time thinking than writing. I wish I could balance that equation.
I finally upgraded my phone after many years and began editing my contacts. Scrolling again past names of dead friends, I considered deleting them. Would that somehow dishonor their memory? Am I incapable of remembering them if I streamline my contacts?

How do you honor the reality of the past while still improving the future?

Some say we shouldn’t look to the past or worry about the future. It is the now we live in, the only time we CAN CHANGE, and what we should focus on. The sacrifices of our ancestors were only to improve our lives, right? The lives of future generations will benefit from us doing what we do best in the here and now, no?
(Just to be clear, I believe we should study the past with intensity but not dwell on it. We should plan for the future but not hold too tightly to plans that will inevitably change.)

“Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
And old lang syne?
(Chorus)
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne,
We’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
And surely you’ll buy your pint cup!
And surely I’ll buy mine!
And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
We two have run about the slopes,
And picked the daisies fine;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
Since auld lang syne.
We two have paddled in the stream,
From morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
Since auld lang syne.
And there’s a hand my trusty friend!
And give me a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
For auld lang syne.“

Deep reflection on our past is how we learn and grow. We hold fast to the memories and use them positively to the best of our ability. The key there is to find the positive, to express gratitude. Terrible things have happened, but great things can come from it all.

You will experience disappointment and heartache this year, count on it. If you live expecting difficulty, you won’t be surprised when you encounter it.

Normally I’d spend this time recounting the things I’ve done over the past year. It helps me take stock of what I accomplished, what needs to be revisited, and things that weren’t completed.
2024 is going to be an all out, wide open throttle, full gas, balls to the wall kind of year.

Take a few minutes today and write down some key takeaways from 2023. What is something you accomplished you’re proud of? What is something you wish you did more of? Less of? What is something you can eliminate from 2024 that will make you more successful and happy?

Should old acquaintance be forgotten? No. Never brought to mind? No, you need to remember even the difficult people in your past. If thinking of someone still brings up pain or anger, what can you do this year to resolve that inner struggle?

I see big things for you in the coming year. Do you see them for yourself?

-Drew OUT.

Drew founded Mental Grenade Jan 2020. He is a follower of Jesus Christ, a medically retired Marine, EOD Tech, husband, father, writer, mountain biker, photographer, facilitator, and fly-fisherman. He seeks to bridge the civilian – military divide and bring hope through honest communication about difficult issues.

These Veteran stories of struggle, adventure, and post traumatic growth need to be heard!
Join the cause to de-stigmatize mental health issues.
Please SUBSCRIBE, share our website with friends / co-workers, and support us by donation or at the STORE.

These Veteran stories of struggle, adventure, and post traumatic growth need to be heard!
Join the cause to de-stigmatize mental health issues.
Please SUBSCRIBE, share our website with friends / co-workers, and support us by donation or at the STORE.