“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, 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.
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Tony Brewer
January 9, 2024 21:59That song alone brings up memories, some good, some not so good. Great post, i saved it to read it on the 2nd and ended up enjoying it on the 9th. As long as I cling to my savior, I’m ready for whatever 2024 brings.
TiffanieG
January 3, 2024 15:33A robust and accomplishing new year to you and yours. May the dark times be short and the bright times be long.
Mimi M. Routh
January 3, 2024 15:08Beautiful post, Drew! When I was 12, a badly crippled and fascinating old man came to dinner and eventually worked for my folks. Over dinner he interrupted the nice talk to comment (of me), “My god! That is the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen!” I remember what I was wearing! Stationed in Germany, I sent home Badedas (Vitabath) with botanicals to sooth his poor joints. Learning that it helped, I sent more. These days his name is part of my password for the bank. This past week, struggling with depression — how long can a person NOT-bathe and NOT-DO-laundry? — I got wondering why I dread undressing and getting wet? I was led to a website and phoned a hypnotherapist. Made an appointment. I’ve done this before long ago. I know from Sylvia Browne’s work that past-life trauma (neck pain in a man who was hanged in his last life?) can be disclosed and healed under hypnosis. If in that Chinese life I was knifed in the belly while bathing, I hope to arrive at some facts and then be reassured that I am safe now and can clean up without procrastination. This is my year to turn ##, get my first pedicure, and get dentures. Oh, and pull together at least a heroic draft of my wonderful book. YES WE CAN!