We can only but hope as we head into 2018

So here we go … it is time to buckle up for 2018.

The festive season is behind us, and many are prepared to forge ahead to make 2018 a worthy year of endeavours and achievements.

Of course, the way we approach 2018 is all psychological, considering nothing magical happens between December 31 and January 1 to change our circumstances.

There is no fairy godmother who waves a wand and turns our pumpkins into golden chariots or who will grant us our wishes of squashing debt, securing the dream job or finding the perfect place to stay.

This is life, and as I mentioned near the end of 2017, all we can change is our attitude, for most of life happens beyond our control.

So we have to adapt the way we look at life regarding what we cannot control – this will ensure some sort of sanity.

Talking about fairy godmothers, some would say there was indeed one waving her magic wand at the ANC conference in December, when Cyril Ramaphosa was elected as the party’s new president.

This election – a shock for many – loosened Jacob Zuma’s grip on the country, since his ex-wife was defeated.

This was a December to remember politically at least, compared to 2015 when SA was introduced to the now infamous midnight Cabinet reshuffles that dampened the festive mood.

Some would say what happened in December provided an ending to the year that could only be a harbinger of good news for South Africa in 2018.

Based on Ramaphosa’s election, the rand has rallied significantly against major world currencies, which is a huge indication that hope for change is still there. After all, the price of fuel has finally dropped.

Then there were the two major blows struck in quick succession against the president, as the courts ruled that former public protector Thuli Madonsela was correct to want the chief justice to choose the judge who would head up the commission of inquiry into state capture.

Finally, the courts had told the president that he cannot select the people whose job it will be to probe him.

Yes, we can only hold onto hope.

On the topic of hope, across the world so many still seem to generate a sense of hope by coming up with New Year’s resolutions. How many have you made?

Did you know the practice of making resolutions for the new year is thought to have first caught on among the ancient Babylonians, who made promises in order to earn the favour of the gods and start the year off on the right foot.

Fast forward to 2018 and the world is not seeking the favour of gods any more, but rather hoping that if they lose weight, or get a new job, or spend less/save more, or become involved in a relationship, then the world will be a better place.

Most of these resolutions will evaporate along with the passing of January, but it reminds us that as human beings we will cling on and try anything to find new momentum as we face life’s storms and challenges.

Whatever our resolutions, or whatever our hopes or dreams or aspirations, the reality is 2018 will be determined by our attitude, how we view life, how we treat others and how we treat ourselves, no matter the political or economical or sport dramas.

So on that note, may it be a prosperous New Year, and may we continue to strive for peace, love and hope.