The Scottish poem Auld Lang Syne was not written by Robert Burns as many believe. He stated that he was only the first to write it down on paper. It translates to “old long since” and means “times gone by” and at the end of each year we find ourselves singing the song while drinking champagne and finding someone to kiss. As the ball dropped from Times Square in New York City you no doubt started out strong with ‘Should auld acquaintance be forgot’ and then just ended up mumbling for the rest of the song.

But the crux of the song and why it works so well for the end of the year is that when good people come and go in your life, it is worth it to take a moment of time, raise a glass and remember those that should never be forgotten. As we begin a new year, think of those people you don’t want to forget. If they have passed, look at pictures or tell stories about them. If still living, give them a call or send an email. It’s a good time to take stock of our relationships and make a resolution to nurture our connections more in 2018.

The song “Make Your Own Kind of Music” came to mind for me this New Year’s Eve. “Sing your own special song….Even if nobody else sings along.” May you find and sing your own special song, and, have a healthy, happy 2018!