May I be the last to wish you a Happy New Year!
I am not certain what general etiquette dictates, but I start to feel a bit awkward saying it after January 3rd – or is it like the Christmas decorations and should be put to bed after Twelfth Night?
Talking of traditions, I have already broken half of my New Year’s resolutions. I blame Janus (January), the God of new beginnings. He is often depicted with two faces that have been interpreted to mean he had the ability to look back and reflect whilst looking forward to the future, hence the custom of making pledges and promises to oneself on NYE.
Broken resolutions aside, I have decided to make New Day Pacts instead. Twenty-four hours feels a lot more achievable, plus if I manage to stick to it the following day, I can give myself an extra pat on the back instead of slumping into disappointment. Aiming low may sound like I’m a defeatist, but as Dave Dunseath (author of Aim Low: Quit Often, Expect the Worst, and Other Good Advice) points out, “every time you aim low, you’ll feel like you’ve died and gone to Disneyland”. As many of you know, I will try (almost) anything once!
The resolution I am intent on keeping, is to practice random kindness on a daily basis. It may sound a bit clichéd, but I truly believe that this is a simple and effective way to make the world we live in a better place. Kimberly Moore, of Adopt-A-Letter helped me get off to a great start; on New Year’s Day she invited me accompany her delivering toys and gifts (a massive thank you to all of the Brits in LA members who donated!) to less privileged families living in the outskirts of Los Angeles. It was as equally rewarding for me as it was to the people receiving our help – so a win-win all round. We came upon so many different situations that had caused hardship, including a lovely family who had lost everything in a recent house fire. The parents had to tell their three children that Santa must have forgotten they had moved, in an effort to explain away the absence of Christmas this year.
I know we are all aware of the divide between the Have and Have-Nots but it is easy to forget there is also a massive chasm between those and the Have-Nothings. The Kimberly Moore Foundation believes that every child deserves a dream come true, and has been trying to fulfill unanswered letters to Santa since 2007. She said that these surprise visits often serve as a catalyst that then go on to start a chain of positive events and hopefully happier communities. We sometimes forget that giving someone a glimmer of hope (and random kindness!) can often be the pivotal moment that turns a life around – something that we can all relate to, as that glimpse of a brighter horizon is the main attraction that brings so many of us to California.
Who made a promise to get healthier in 2017? Then you might be interested in TheFitExpo.com this Sunday January 8th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Make sure to say hello to fellow Brit in LA, Olympic Champion Audley Harrison MBE, who can be found by Box n Burn from 3pm-5pm.
Lastly, we are excited to announce that the sign up for our 10th Annual Toscars film competition has opened up to everyone – I guarantee that you have never experienced anything like being a potential Toscar nominee before. It is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the madness of the upcoming award season and a unique experience that you will never forget. Find your inner parody! Visit www.thetoscars.com for full details.
First Pub Quiz of 2017 is on January 10th with Craig Young as your host. In the Maharajah Room at The Pikey in Hollywood – visit us on Facebook @BritsinLA to find out more. You can also email us at info@britsin.la if you have any questions or comments.
Cheers!
Eileen
