Newness means the possibility of change

Have you ever considered the word ’new’? For me, it means life, creativity, truth, excitement. The word ’new’ comes to mind in July, a time for sea, sand and sun-bathing. After a Spring of frosts, sunshine, and showers, July brings with it a new feeling.

When I wake up and go outside, I often hear the song, It’s a New Day, in my head: ’I woke up this morning feeling brand new, ’cause the dreams that I’ve been dreaming have finally come true . . .’ This 2008 song was a tribute to President Obama’s victory, and with it the possibility of change, of newness. My granddaughter Rachel suggested in her online magazine that readers try new experiences. Exotic ones! Rachel says ’...be sure to try chicken tikka massala in India, Smirnoff in Russia, and Foster’s beer in Australia...’

We less travelled beings can try so many new experiences this July: New Consciousness in New-Age beliefs, new knowledge from watching something like BBC documentaries, a baking course, or even just exploring our own surroundings more intensively.

And what does this ’newness’ give us? The possibility of change. My editor friend was made redundant after 17 years and had to find a new job and a new life. Through cooperation instead of resistance, ’new’ can mean ’opportunity’, and that can mean ’change’.