Any number of predictions might be made and myriad past issues explored as we enter the new year and consider what lies ahead, as well as what went right or wrong in 2015. That, however, would be a pointless exercise.
In the grand scheme of things, our accomplishments outweighed our difficulties, which were insignificant as compared to those experienced elsewhere.
We did not, in the coastal area, suffer any calamities or face any great struggles. By and large, we went about our business, did the best we could, disagreed or concurred, and continued to proceed in a relatively peaceful fashion.
If we’re guilty of anything, it would be getting caught up in the moment and attaching too much importance to matters that would hardly alter the course of our existence.
On the flip side, our communities continued the area’s long tradition of unparalleled generosity, donating hundreds of thousands of dollars to charity and community improvement efforts.
In addition, most of our businesses did well in the past year as the economy continued its gradual climb back to normalcy, and more new shops, services and enterprises emerged unscathed from that critical first year of operations.
In all, the good far outweighed the bad over the past 12 months, and there is no reason to think that won’t be the case in the year ahead.
All in all, we have it pretty good here – good schools, good surroundings, a good economy and a good outlook – a circumstance that makes the matter of New Year forecasting a matter of looking for upsets in the local equilibrium or trying to find trouble where little exists.
Consequently, our prediction for 2016 involves no guesswork. We’ll go through the year just as we have all the others and come out as we always do, which is much better off than most people.
So relax, keep things in perspective and put a happy new year on your agenda.