By RAJGOPAL NIDAMBOOR

You got it right. Circa 2009 was unlike any other New Year. Quiet. Blame it on Mumbai’s Terror Wednesday — 26/11 — or, what you may.

Yet, like every New Year, most of us, in all probability, sure “resolved” to bring-in changes. But, how well do we all know that they all “tumbled down” by the time we were through with the subdued celebrations!

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Don’t worry. Take your pick to “ring-in” your New Year resolutions — or, “twenty-twenty vision” — for a calm, joyful 2009:

1. The best thing to do is to think of the New Year — differently. Consider a metaphor: “The grass is greener on the other side of the landfill, not hill.” Or, “I’m going to have a great year, and end up trumps over my fellow associates and a distant boss.” Or, “This year will be safer for me and my family.”
2. Take a look at an earlier situation in a new way. Look beyond the box. Better still — have no box at all, than being outside it. Great idea, isn’t it? Because, the world is shaped on our personal experience and outlook. Changing [y]our attitude can change [y]our world. However, remember — as Mahatma Gandhi observed — that you need to be the change first to bring the change you want.
3. Change the paint of your bedroom, or the tint of your car, bifocals/progressive glasses/contact lens, or whatever — and, see the world in a different new glow [maybe, with a fresh "colour" lamp in place].
4. Don’t you feel overawed by recession — try something new, even if you fall short. It will sure bring purpose to your life — to try the idea again.
5. Take a fresh look at your ethics, because it is what that upsets you the most when everything else looks pleasant.
6. Use your cell phone sparingly, because it is cheap; and, also because “delivery” exceeds “requirement.”
7. Think more foolishly than you did last year, because it got you into your present “clutter.” And, also because it can easily get you out of it a la Laurel and Hardy.
8. Propose by all means, if you are not married. If married, avoid the divorce-trap — even if you don’t want to.
9. Walk on the right and the wrong alley, simultaneously, because if you are on the correct path, you’ll breathe more and more pollutants in the air.
10. Celebrities, and each of us, have one thing in common. Difficulty. So, change your “guard” regularly; the latter without the benefit of a “fan-club,” or Third Umpire.
11. Be positive. Stick to it, even if you can’t. You know that you’ve the best possible mindset.
12. You cannot avoid bomb blasts, terrorist attacks, stress, acidity, and levy; however, taxes don’t get healthier every year.
13. Make sure that everyone you know considers your idea. Tell them that the “tenet” isn’t entirely yours; you culled it from the Upanishads.
14. Battle for your honour and values. Because, you cannot live with[out] them.
15. Don’t go beyond “nowhere,” because it’s the most demanding and exciting trail.
16. Shop by all means — find out the freebies that come “handy” with the worst possible bathing soap you don’t use.
17. If anger, or hatred, ain’t broke, “bond” with it till it cracks. Next, blame the politician for your constipation.
18. Tell your “competition” that his/her ego is as good as yours, not any better.
19. Existence is a lengthy battle. It’s full of frustrations and challenges, but you ought to know the best D-I-Y kit money cannot buy. You!
20. Life is neither a feast, nor a spectacle. It begins to tell as you “mellow.”

Now, to use a cliché — a must, for anyone, who wishes to have a Great New Year. Smile, in spite of all the troubles around — and, the world will grin with you. Not at you.

Happy New Year!