In Britain and the rest of Europe, the new year began hours ago, and it’s already January 1, 2006. Out in Los Angeles, it’s barely past dinnertime. In Denver, folks are starting to arrive at New Year’s Eve parties and events, and in Chicago, they’ve already had a drink or two. Here in Atlanta, it’s a quarter past eleven in the evening, though, and I’m watching the last minutes of 2005 tick away.

It’s been quite a year. There have been a lot of wonderful moments, and some hard ones, too. In that respect, it’s not been so different from any other year. More than any other, though, 2005 has been a year of learning. I’ve learned a lot about life, about love, and about myself.

In the movie treatment of Stephen King’s short story called “Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption”, Andy Dufresne has a line that the Hollywood screenwriter must have pulled out of thin air. It doesn’t appear anywhere in King’s story.

I guess it comes down to a simple choice, really. Get busy livin’ or get busy dyin’.

I don’t know why those words ring in my head so often, but they do. That really is the choice that I face, and I think it’s the same choice that many of us face when we’re in over our heads, in a situation where we’re uncertain of our next move.

New Year’s Eve is traditionally a time for resolutions. So, while I don’t have quite the same enthusiasm for holidays and their associated traditions as I once did, I will be making one simple resolution this year. I’m going to get busy livin’, because the alternative doesn’t sound all that appealing.

To my friends, I offer my thanks for everything you’ve given to me this year. Your time, your friendship, you advice, your companionship, and your love have made all of the difference to me. You’re the best, each and every one of you.

To those of you who are already celebrating the arrival of 2006, to those who are about to ring it in, and to those who still have an evening of anticipation ahead, let me wish you all the best. May the coming year bring you health, happiness, and prosperity.