“A new beginning …”

A student at the New York Institute of Advertising explained why he had chosen the field: "I have dreams of making a million dollars in advertising, just like my father."
The institute director asked, "When did your father make a million in advertising?"
"He didn't,” said the student. "But he had dreams, too.” — Leonard Lyons

Hope. Dreams. The Future. All of these subjects come to the forefront of our thoughts as we end 2011 and begin 2012. What’s funny is that Dec. 31, 2011 is not the end of the year if you follow the Indian calendar, which ends on March 21, or the Chinese calendar, which ends on Jan.22.

Then there are the Jewish, Islamic, and even some ancient calendars that all have different beginnings and ends depending on solar and lunar calculations. So, while we follow the Gregorian calendar for the most part, Dec. 31 is not necessarily New Year’s Eve for everyone.

Yet, we all mark this as a day to focus on the future, a time of resolutions. It’s also a time that we reflect upon the past.

For some this might have been a good year despite the economic turmoil, conflicts around the world, or personal tragedies. For some, this could have been an incredibly horrible year that they just want to forget about. Whatever the case, a new year provides us a chance to “begin again,” “start over,” “turn over a new leaf.”

We so desperately need some hope, and for many this an annual ritual that will repeat again and again every year. The German philosopher Kant tells us that there are three questions which mankind has always been asking: "What can I know?" "What shall I do?" and "For what may I hope?"

So why can’t we find it? In the past 15 years, the number of people seeking treatment for depression in the U.S. has doubled; now 25 million a year. According to the CDC in its report on depression, an estimated 1 in 10 U.S. adults report depression. This has happened despite increased awareness of triggers, hormone adjusting medications, psychotherapy techniques and diagnosis ability. The statistics I’ve researched in the past and even in writing this posting are not positive in the least.