This week, I would like you to write about your feelings towards this New Year and/or what you do in the first few days of January. Aim to write no more than three short, tight paragraphs, followed by a traditional haiku that includes reference to the season.
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On New Year’s Day we celebrated my firstborn’s 43rd birthday. She was the New Year’s baby in our area in 1980. What a fine distraction I have had since that wonderous day! The traditional drumbeat of regrets and fearful anticipation that seems to permeate New Year’s Day had always made it my least favorite holiday. A perfect baby girl changed my whole outlook, and, for that, I am eternally grateful.
Any baby’s birth holds endless promise and possibilities and encompasses the true meaning of a beginning. Now, I choose to turn inward embracing gratitude all through the dark cold month of January not the least bit concerned with future ‘what ifs.’. This identical spirit to Christmas continues warming me all through the winter months.
January first
A perfect message of hope
Comes from your own heart
https://dversepoets.com/2023/01/02/fireworks-and-a-dripping-tap/
Sillyfrog's Blog 
A heart-warming haibun, Susan! My daughter will be 43 this year too, in November. How wonderful that your perfect baby girl changed your outlook; I feel the same. The final sentences really resonate with me, and I love the way you summed it up in the haiku.
Thank-you, Kim! How blessed we are with daughters. ❤🥰
So sweet 💖
❤🥰😊
Yes, own the outlook! New Year’s celebrations/reflections should be about gratitude and hope.
Thanks. ❤
Lovely!!!! Happy belated birthday wishes to your daughter.
Thanks so much! [She’s still my baby.] 😊❤
Yup…and always will be your baby!!! 🤗
A nice shift to gratitude instead of lofty goals for a new year. I like this a lot. 🙂
😊 Thanks!