There is an interesting and celestial significance to the close of 2005. The last day of the year coincided with the new moon. Both events mark the end of a cycle, and together are doubly symbolic of letting go of what isn’t working to make room for what does during the next cycle.

I propose that this time of year is the most opportune time to let go of old fears, discard old models, and refocus one’s perspective from extrinsic motivations to inner inspiration…and maybe just rediscover our sense of well being and "joie de vivre" in the process.

Many of us, myself included, often make our daily choices unconsciously using our basic survival instinct – relentlessly pursuing our survival needs well after they have been met. This is not only inefficient and oftentimes unprofitable, but also not very fulfilling or fun.

If we can transcend the survivalist instinct that limits our field of vision to such notions as how much cash is in the bank or how much time is remaining, etc., then we may be able to tap into the very source of our true value (as Dr. Victor Frankel noted in the previous Singer Burke Journal entry). And what is the source of our true value? It is our connection to the purpose and meaning in life that ignites our creativity, guides us to inspired action, and warms us from within through inner confidence and self-acceptance.

So as we begin the New Year, I wish for all of us a renewed reliance on our own expertise and experience, and genuine sense of play. May we immerse ourselves in the more playful and fulfilling aspects of our lives and careers. And just maybe, one life at a time, we may transform our daily existence out of the realm of struggling for survival and into the realms of self-worth, meaning, connection to others, greater purpose, and of course last but not least, play.