Happy New Year...

I don't really believe in making New Year's resolutions. It's not that I don't want to better myself it's more like why wait until Dec. 31 to do it.

I believe in making certain changes whenever the notion may strike. Moment to moment.

You know, like changing one's hair color. I've had mine dark, light and every color in between. No big deal. This kind of change is not too deep. And it's fun to re-invent oneself on the outside.

But, some change requires a bit more thought.

You know like returning to school or changing your career. This kind of change takes dedication and perseverance as well as time.

Then there's the category of change that comes after a lot of soul searching. This is the change that truly comes from within.

This kind of change requires patience, tolerance and sifting through one's inner mess. It requires silence and thought. I call it meditation, while some may call it prayer.

Meditation gives me an awareness of thought and emotion which to me equals clarity.

"Meditation is the tongue of the soul and the language of our spirit" -- Jeremy Taylor (1613 - 13 August 1667) clergyman of the Church of England.

But, enough fuss about my philosophy on change. Now it's time to share my New Year's wish to you...

Here's to the year 2010.

A fresh start. A new day. A chance to re-invent me and you.

Whatever it is you're looking to do, change or keep-- may the quest be simple and the reward be sweet.

Now get out there and do whatever you must.

Don't hesitate or worry.

And please, no looking back.

Life's too short for regretting times past.

Move forward, my friend.

Front and center, now go.

Enjoy each moment.

And long live you.

Timberly is a staff writer at the Greene County Daily World. She can be reached by e-mail at tferree@gcdailyworld.com or by phone at 1-800-947-4487 or (812) 847-4487.