By Liz Ciancone
If the ancient Mayan calendar is right, I have only a couple more years to reach personal perfection via New Years’ resolutions.
Everyone from Nostradamus to the Mayans has had a crack at predicting the end of the world. As if there wasn’t enough panic as we rolled into the 21st century, some enterprising researchers says the Mayans predicted the end of the world in 2012.
I’m not going to worry. If rolling into the new millennium 10 years ago didn’t throw the world’s computers off whack and louse up the world’s records, there isn’t a lot to worry about from the Mayans. Maybe their wise men just got tired of predicting so many years ahead and called it a day when the hour glass ran out of sand.
Still … I cannot help but wonder what I’d miss most if there really IS something to their doomsday prediction. Apart from the joy of seeing my grandchildren grow up and become productive and responsible citizens, and holding hands with my Best Friend as the world collapses around us, I think I’d miss the change of seasons as much as anything.
Each season has its charms, but my favorite is spring. There’s something about the hope of rebirth as the earth yawns, stretches and prepares for another growing season that inspires me. Of course, the flaming colors of fall are beautiful and more eye-catching than the pastels of spring, but there you are. We all have favorites. There is even some appeal to the chill gray of winter or the steamy heat of summer if you like extremes.
On the other hand, I would not miss political posturing. After listening to senators and representative explain their votes – if they bother to explain at all – by saying “I voted my conscience,” I can’t help but note how often their “conscience” mirrors the party platform. Talk of bipartisan consensus seems to occur only when their party is in the minority and they have nothing to lose.
I won’t miss winter, especially not one like this. I reassure myself each morning that we are one day closer to spring.
There is, I suppose, something to be said for living forever. I want to see what happens next and have witness so many miracles, largely technological, in my life. I REALLY want to see what’s next.
I hope the Mayan calendar is meaningless and that I can look forward to 2012 and beyond. If not? Well, I won’t be pressured to make more resolutions.
