New Year, New Me?

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the “New Year,” especially living in Israel for the year, where, well, this isn’t exactly the begining of a new year, in fact, it’s not the middle of the year either. Right now, I’m just experiencing another day in my life. My official New Year as a Jew is at Rosh HaShanah, already 4 months ago. And I could just see tonight and tomorrow as just another day. While Israel is a Jewish State, I have enjoyed living a Jewish year cycle. There was no hype or excessive music, shopping, etc. over christmas, halloween or Thanksgiving. And, I have to say, I am enjoying it. My life is much less focused on commercial holidays, and I feel more focused on what is important to me, figuring out who I am!
And, so, I got to thinking. What does this New Year mean to me? I often think about how lucky I am to be in a world where I have more than one new year. My birthday is a new year, Rosh HaShanah is a new year, January first begins a new secular year, and I could go on. What I really focus on is a new start, a refresher, a new me. Having so many new beginnings, I am able to focus on little steps, and check in with myself along the way at each new begining.
So, what am I hoping for, wishing for, resolving for this new year? I think, I hope this year, to listen to my heart, and to find out who I am. I need to take some time for me, to figure out what i want, and do what is right for me. I need to take care of my heart, and nurture my soul. This year, I want to be in power of my life, make the changes I want to make. This year, I hope and pray for health and happiness for my family, my friends and all who are in my heart. This year, I hope for continued growth and learning for myself. This year, i want to be me!