“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” Anonymous
“What a wonderful life I’ve had! I only wish I’d realized it sooner.” Colette
In Roman mythology, there was a god called Janus. Janus was the god of gates, doors, beginnings, endings, and time. Most often he is depicted as having two heads facing opposite directions; one head looks back while the other looks forward.
His principle temple in the Forum, ancient Rome’s center of political and social activity, had doors facing east and west to mark the beginning and end of the day, and between the doors stood his statue gazing in opposite directions. Janus was so revered that his double-faced head appears on many Roman coins.
Interesting, isn’t it, that our word “January” comes from Janus, who simultaneously views the past and the future.
And that’s what we do at the beginning of each new year, right? We look back to the year that has been and ahead to the one to come.
Here’s a quick exercise that will serve you well in the new year. Create a “Janus Report”. Make a list of all the blessings and accomplishments of the past twelve months, as well as the hurts, mistakes, and disappointments. There are always both. A Janus Report is a “looking-back” document, a review of the highs and lows of the past 365 days and a learning tool for looking forward to the next 365 days.
Here’s what I think you’ll discover:
• Every year has its highs and lows, a good reminder to expect and prepare for both.
• Every year is full of changes and surprises. Awareness of this will cause you to be ready for whatever comes – the expected and the unexpected, the joys and the sorrows.
• And the most important thing is this: I’ll bet that your list of blessings will be much longer than your list of disappointments. Each is valuable. The disappointments and mistakes serve as a guide for future decisions, and the lengthy list of blessings should humble you and cause you to be extraordinarily grateful.
The Romans believed that worshipping Janus could ensure good outcomes. For you to achieve good outcomes, spend a little time looking back and looking forward. Create a “Janus Report”. It’s a step toward having a future full of great days.
