Welcoming the New Year with Gratitude, Generosity, and Joy
What if the secret to a fulfilling year isn’t ambition or hustle—but kindness, gratitude, and the courage to let go?
A New’s Year’s Song
Edgar Albert Guest
Love and laughter lead you
Down the pathways of the year,
And may each morning feed you
From the golden spoon of cheer;
May every eye be shining,
And every cheek aglow,
And may the silver lining
Of the clouds forever show.
May peace and plenty find you,
May pain and grief depart ;
And may you leave behind you
The little cares that smart;
May no day be distressful,
No night be filled with woe,
And may you be successful
Wherever you may go.
May June bring you her roses,
May summer poppies bloom,
And may each day that closes
Be fragrant with perfume.
May you have no regretting
When evening is begun,
No vain and idle fretting
O’er what you might have done.
May envy quit your dwelling
And hatred leave your heart ;
May you rejoice in telling
Your brother’s better part.
May you be glad you’re living
However dark your way,
And find your joy in giving
Your service to the day.
Reflection
Edgar Guest’s A New Year’s Song reminds us that a good life is not built from grand gestures, but from daily choices—choosing cheer over complaint, generosity over envy, and gratitude over regret. The poem gently invites us to travel the year lightly, unburdened by needless worries and heavy resentments. It encourages us to notice beauty as it arrives, to celebrate the success of others, and to find purpose in service rather than self-absorption. This is a vision of renewal rooted in kindness and attention. Read slowly, and you may realize the poem is less a wish—and more a quiet roadmap.
As you read this poem, ask yourself:
Which “little cares” or hidden resentments might I leave behind this year to make room for peace, joy, and generosity?
Discover more from Optimistic Beacon
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
