A year has passed and we fondly reminisce on what we have done, what has gone by and what remains for us to do. Some say farewell to 2017 if they had a bad year, while others anticipate attaining more for 2018. 

The New Year is a time for new beginnings filled with hopes and dreams for oneself, the family, country, and the world.

January 1, 2018, is the World Day of Prayer for Peace. In 2017, devotees celebrated the centenary of the apparitions of Our Lady of Fatima longing for peace. People who experienced turbulent times during the past year are still yearning for the much sought after peace.  

We find peace within ourselves when there is balance in our work or school, community, personal and family relationships. There is harmony when there is peace in our neighborhood. When we strive to find peace, we become more authentic in our dealings with others. We do not easily resort to anger, hatred, or any acts of violence towards other people. We treat each other fairly and with kindness.  

If you feel like lashing out or bashing somebody on social media, take a moment before hitting that button. You must realize that the person at the receiving end of your screen has feelings, too. You do not know what they are going through. 

When you are aggravated by an insensitive remark, physically pushed by a stranger, or sideswiped by another car, do not honk or shout back. Let your quiet response not further provoke the other person. If injustice has been done against you or your family, pray instead for love and forgiveness so healing will take place.      

To pray for peace is more than words but action on how we will treat everybody else with love, gentleness, patience, compassion and understanding. With thoughtful consideration for others, we will be able to attain peace and balance in our lives, and the beginning to worldwide peace we need nowadays.  Let us think peace in our day-to-day life. Let our New Year start by spreading goodwill. Let peace begin within ourselves and radiate from us. The first step towards change comes from one’s self so that together, we can look forward to a brighter and peaceful future.