PTSD New Year Take A Cup of Kindness Yet

Take a deep draught of good-will
Wounded Times
Kathie Costos
January 1, 2016


There are many things we know the beginning to, yet somehow forget about the ending. We heard a lot of things leading up to the ending of 2015 but while folks joined arms singing across the world, most didn't know how the song ended.

And there's a hand, my trusty friend!

And give us a hand of yours!

And we'll take a deep draught of good-will

For long, long ago.

Those words come at the end of Auld Lang Syne.

At midnight the first part of the song was sung with hopeful thoughts for a better year to come.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And never brought to mind?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And auld lang syne.

For auld lang syne, my jo,

For auld lang syne,

We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,

For auld lang syne,

And there can be a cup of kindness filled in each of our lives if we remember the past with peace. Understanding there is nothing that done that can be undone, words said that cannot be unsaid. Yet from this moment onward we can change how what "was" affects what "is" and what we can become.

Everything in our lives goes with us but it is up to us make peace with ourselves as much as we know we should strive for it with others.

So here's to a hopeful New Year when you understand PTSD does not mean you are weak but came from the strength of your core, just feeling things more than others. Know that you changed because of what you survived and as a survivor, you can change again to live a happier life.

May 2016 be the year when you remember the past without the bitterness and taste the kindness that is within your power.

The History and Words of Auld Lang Syne
In sentimental American movies, Robert Burns' Auld Lang Syne is sung by crowds at the big New Year finale. In Bangkok and Beijing it is so ubiquitous as a song of togetherness and sad farewells, they presume it must be an old Thai or Chinese folk song; while in France it is the song which eases the pain of parting with the hope that we will all see each other again - Oui, nous nous reverrons, mes frères, ce n'est qu'un au revoir. Auld Lang Syne is one of Scotland's gifts to the world, recalling the love and kindness of days gone by, but in the communion of taking our neighbours' hands, it also gives us a sense of belonging and fellowship to take into the future.