New Year, New World

A lot of people are currently celebrating the death of 2016. For whatever reason, it has been declared the worst year - if not ever, then at least in recent memory. As well as being glad that the last year is over, people are gearing up to make this next year their year. Making resolutions and trying for changes always marks the beginning of each year. Just step into a gym and you'll see for yourself.

But, while many people are making personal goals, some people are making world goals. These people are the leaders of the free world.

I know that after the recent election season, no one wants to really think about politics. Some people are still hurting from loss; others are desperately concerned with the future - and these New Year's resolutions that leaders are making. But, what would be so wrong with world-level changes?

This year, already, America has seen some pretty horrific things. The tragic event in Chicago has shown that some people really should start making - and keeping - their resolutions. And, while personal improvements are always a good place to start, community and national improvements are also necessary. Even if it's something as small as resolving to try harder to make life easier and happier for others.

I'm sure that I won't always agree with what happens this year. I don't always agree with the national leaders. But, for the most part, they try to do what they think is best - what the people think is best. And that's all we can really ask from them.

But, I also think that changes should be made. Nationally, we need to start looking at a bigger picture as opposed to such specific issues. Yes, certain decisions are going to affect very small things, and people will be upset by those things. But, how do those decisions fit into a larger image?

Construction might make things difficult for a short time, but that improved road will be better for the community in the long run. Leadership turnover might be concerning for a bit, but fresh perspective and new determination will be better for the state in the long run. Reform and changes might hurt at first, but efficient and streamlined operation will be better for the nation in the long run.

Change isn't always a bad thing. Sometimes it can be very good; it can be healthy. And, at the very least, change should be given a chance. New ideas need the ability to grow and develop and show what they can really do.

And - let's get real here for a second - change is always scary.

In fact, risk is involved in change. What if it doesn't work? What if it ends in failure? What will that change take away?

But, with all those questions, you can find a positive alternative. What if this really works? What if this ends in success? What will this change give back?

What if this was the change that we needed all along?

Think about Batman - that line about him being the hero that Gotham deserved instead of the one it needed. Change is like that. It's the chance to get what we deserve, not just what we need.

The world needs a change right now. America needs a change.

At this point, change deserves its chance. We might get exactly what we need. Things might actually get better. It might really be a New World for the New Year.