Auld Lang Syneposts

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
for old times sake ?

For old times sake , my dear,
for old times sake ,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for old times sake .

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup !
and surely I’ll buy mine !
And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for old times sake .

For old times sake , my dear,
for old times sake ,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for old times sake .

We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine ;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since times gone by .

For old times sake , my dear,
for old times sake ,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for old times sake .

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morn 'til dinner time;
But seas between us broad have roared
since times gone by .

For old times sake , my dear,
for old times sake ,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for old times sake .

And there’s a hand my trusty friend !
And give me a hand o’ thine !
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for old times sake .

For old times sake , my dear,
for old times sake ,
we'll take a cup of kindness yet,
for old times sake .

Above is a translation of the famous poem preserved by Robert Burns and sung by most of us on New Year's Eve.  It's tradition at this point to rush out the old year and herald in the new with the first verse and chorus of this Scottish folk song. But I'll bet few of us ever stop to think about what it is we're saying - even if we're sober. 

So here's my take on it:

The sentiment is that of fond remembrance and acknowledgement that time and tide may separate us, and experiences may change us, but we should never forget the people and events that have made us who we are today. It doesn't mean we should live in the past. It doesn't even mean we should excuse bad behavior from others who have wronged us, either accidentally or on purpose. It's about putting all of our history and all of our relationships to date in their proper perspective, raising a glass, and extending a hand (or a thought, or a wish) to what was. In doing so we are poised to embrace the future without bitterness or resentment over the past. It is forgiveness and acceptance with the knowledge that we needn't forget to forgive. It's facing past regrets and letting them go because what was can't be changed, but what is right now brings the promise of what can be in the future.

It's about appreciating those that have loved you and been with you always and those that have returned after a time apart. Whether good or bad, our relationships with others teach us how to move forward in life; they change us. Most importantly, we are always given the choice to offer "a cup of kindness" both to ourselves and to each other. For old times sake; for sake of the future; for your own sake. 

To you, reading this now, I raise my cup in thanks for your support and your feedback. Spashionista.com is evolving and I hope you will stick around for the tweaks I have in mind for the new year. I wish you the very best of everything that's good in 2014!  

Meme courtesy of Bella Q The Citizen Rosebud