When Next We Begin A New Year

Certain unique and peculiar features mark the month of January different from among the twelve calendar months in the year. Though some may look at these features in the positive, others see it from a negative perspective.

The month of January is known for its tranquility, serenity and calmness. The fuss, hustling and bustling activities of Christmas, the previous month, eventually throws everyone into a calm state.

The first month of the year is conceived to be the driest month when many are in need. Many tend to incur expenses above their earnings in the previous month not only in the euphoria of the Christmas period, but also to celebrate the joy of staying alive till the end of the year.

The month of January as a leading month is a time when many  plan ahead in order to avert failure, thus the need to be calm and calculative.

The high demand and expectation of many makes it look as though there is slow down in pace. Because of the attendant hardship in January, many people, especially salary earners perceive the month of January to be the longest among the 12 calendar months.

The excitement and expenditures made in December are like a car in motion cruising on a high speed. Whereas, the calmness, dryness, planning, resolutions and number of days in the month of January can be compared to a car which after applying brake, slows down, adjusts and starts its speed all over again.

Though the month of January is perceived to be the longest amongst the twelve calendar months, the distance covered by a crawling snail may not be covered by a running animal.

In spite of the uniqueness of the month of January, this year’s January started with a  different tune.

In the midst of economic adjustment and the state of insecurity in the country, President Goodluck Jonathan announced the withdrawal of fuel subsidy which threw an already angry and frustrated nation into confusion.

Plans were generally affected and thwarted as economic activities slowed down and expenses became doubled resulting from sudden hike in fuel prices, thereby making this year’s January to be longer than necessary.

There were multiple and unanticipated challenges that made this year’s January a different one. But thank God that we have survived them. But when next we begin a new year, there is the need for utmost caution on the part of the government and the people.

Before any man commences a building, he must first of all plan, otherwise, he will stop half way.

Plans need to be made in the month of January to manage the little resources gathered from the month of December in order to get to the end of the month of January without much ado.

For the twelve calendar months to end in a successful note, plans had to be made from the beginning of the year.

Jacob, an intern with The Tide, is of the Department of Linguistics  and Communication Studies, University of Port Harcourt.

Sarah Pricess Jacob