February is here, January has passed, and we are already a month into the new year, 2025. Many of us have been affected, in one way or another, by respiratory ailments. Too many suffered; too many died. Fortunately, there are now a few medications and treatments to help put us on the road to better mental and physical health.
Yet, neither of the Beatles’ famous roads—“Penny Lane” nor “The Long and Winding Road”—seem particularly relevant now. Not even “On the Street Where You Live,” sung by many artists, nor Xavier Rudd’s “Follow the Sun,” truly capture the moment.
The eight days and nights of Chanukah have come and gone for another cycle. Did Jewish people get their gifts? Probably not—too many individuals around the world are struggling. Still, many windows were adorned with menorahs shining brightly in the night. My mind drifts to the song “Light One Candle” by Peter, Paul, and Mary. Sadly, while editing this piece, I learned that Peter Yarrow has passed away.
Evenings were filled with the familiar aroma of latkes frying on the stove. Turkeys roasted in ovens, not quite ready to be carved. Children spun dreidels and sang Chanukah songs in English, Hebrew, and Yiddish, continuing cherished traditions.
The twelve days of Christmas are also behind us. Though chestnuts were not roasting on an open fire, and Jack Frost wasn’t exactly nipping at my nose, the holiday season still sped by. From one window, I saw trees decorated in vibrant colors; from another, I heard Christmas carols playing loud and clear, inviting all to sing along, dance, or simply enjoy the festive spirit. Many spent the season watching classic holiday films like A Christmas Carol, Home Alone, or A Christmas Story.
Was it a good year or a bad one? That depends on many factors and varies for each person. Perhaps some are simply hoping for another round of stimulus payments to help stretch savings for food and medicine. Most Americans received a 2.5% increase in Social Security benefits, while those in the workforce saw raises or bonuses to help maintain the status quo. But what we truly need is more affordable insurance and medication—key steps on the road to success.
Success and failure are uniquely measured, yet we all strive for the former. As Winston Churchill said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” Similarly, Dale Carnegie encouraged us to “develop success from failures.” Both perspectives help keep us focused on optimism and perseverance.
Throughout my life, I have reflected on good and bad years, experiencing both successes and failures. A common motivational saying is “All roads lead to success.” But I don’t believe all roads do. Rather, there are many paths to reach our goals. Hard work, perseverance, and determination are essential in forging our own way forward.
As for me, I prefer to focus on the positives and reflect. Though I did not wish for snow, I accepted it when it fell. I gazed out the open window, feeling the cold flakes glisten on my unprotected face and hands. I imagined shaping them into tiny snowmen for others to enjoy or making snow angels in the fresh powder.
Unfortunately, last year—and continuing into this one—devastating wildfires have destroyed vast areas of California. As Jimi Hendrix put it, “The Wind Cries Mary.” These disasters are fueled by a combination of human activity, climate change, and natural forces. Arson, fireworks, and debris fires, combined with rising temperatures and droughts, have made wildfires more destructive than ever. As I write this, they continue to rage, claiming more lives and properties.
Looking back at this piece, one song seems to encapsulate its essence. The first stanza mentions roads, lanes, and streets, connecting with the opening line of Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind”:
“How many roads must a man walk down…?”
Throughout this reflection, I have looked back at the past year, asking whether it was good or bad. Dylan’s song echoes this sentiment:
“How many years can some people exist…?”
And, just like in the lyrics, we often look to the sky for answers. Dylan’s response?
“The answer is blowin’ in the wind.”
Although written as an anti-war protest song, its message still resonates today.
As human beings, we find ways to frame events both positively and optimistically. Our guidance comes from the past, the present, and the future. A well-known Buddhist teaching reminds us:
“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”
The essence of this wisdom is clear: The present is the only moment we can truly control. Instead of regretting the past or worrying about the future, we should focus on the now.
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