I first heard of Janus when I was in the tenth grade during a welcome back address from our vice principal after the Christmas break. Considered the god of gates and doors, this Roman god lent his name to the month of January and had a rather unusual appearance. He was depicted with a double-faced head, each face looking in opposite directions. It is believed that he was depicted in this fashion because of the notion that gates and doors face two directions. In this way one of his faces was able to look backwards while the other looked forward; representing Janus contemplation of the happenings of the old year while looking forward to the new one.

A time of celebration

We all possess the dual face characteristic of this ancient Roman god. It is a quality I whole-heartedly endorse. As we close out the old year with family gatherings and festivities we usually spend time musing over the happenings of the past year while considering the paths that we want our lives to take in the coming one. The end of the year is primarily about celebrating; and while it is fitting to celebrate the season, you should also take time to celebrate all the hard work you put into attaining the goals you set over the past year. And, if for whatever reason, the year did not turn out as well as you anticipated, you should still celebrate the small victories you enjoyed along the way.

A time for contemplation

Although this is something you should do throughout the entire year, this is traditionally the time of year when most people give thought to the direction they want their lives to take over the next twelve months. They contemplate the goals they want to achieve, the lives they want to impact, the personal relationships they need to cultivate, the business contacts they plan to establish, the changes they need to embrace, and ultimately the person they must become in order to make it all happen.

A time for new beginnings

In his role as the guardian of exits and entrances, Janus was also believed to represent beginnings. He was frequently used to symbolize change and transitions. These include the progression of the past to the future; the transition from one condition to another, or of one vision to another. It is no surprise that he was worshipped during the planting and harvest season, as well as during other important beginnings such as marriages and births.

You play an even more significant role in your life because you are the creator of the events that take place; not only on January 1st, but every single day of the year. Janus could observe the happenings on either side of the gate, but I am sure you would agree that he was powerless to affect the change necessary to ensure that the future would be different from the past. Unlike Janus however, you have a mind that allows you to recall past events, analyze them in the present, and project them into the future. Through this incredible endowment you have been given the ability to do more than just observe your life like a historian or a fortune teller. Like a sculptor, through vision and painstaking hard work, you can shape your life to your will.

A time for self-evaluation

As you emerge through the door or gate of the old year to enter the new one, do so through a process of self-evaluation. Dont rest on your laurels. Refuse to be complacent, for that will only breed failure. Rather, seek ways in which you can improve your level of effectiveness.

• What habits did you develop over the past year that served you well?
• What current habits do not support the goals and Li>aspirations you have for the coming year?
• What was the biggest challenge you overcame last year?
• What was your biggest setback?
• What lessons did you learn from them?

Awaken the Janus within and start planting the seeds that will help you to create an abundant harvest and a new beginning. Do it today.

Keep On Pushing!

Devon D. Harris

From the slums of Kingston, Jamaica to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, England; from a barefoot boy?s dream of winning a track race to a young man?s membership on his country?s first Olympic bobsled team ? Devon Harris' inspiring tale of personal triumph over adversity and the uplifting story behind Jamaica?s first Winter Olympic team will captivate your audience.

So engaging was the story of the misfit band of athletes from the tropical island of Jamaica at the 1988 Winter Olympic Games that it served as the basis for the hit Disney movie, ?Cool Runnings.? While the movie captured the heart and soul of a team that didn?t know the meaning of the word ?impossible,? the personal story of Devon Harris is a testament of one man?s refusal to accept the limitations placed on him by birth or society.

Devon Harris was born on Christmas Day, 1964. The greatest gift he ever received was the belief that a positive attitude and a never say die philosophy would carry him farther than a sense of injustice and a heart filled with anger. Devon also learned at an early age that one can either spill tears of laughter or tears of rage when faced with life?s many obstacles.

When not bringing his captivating message of inspiration and hope to audiences across the globe, Devon serves as an ambassador for Right to Play ? an athlete-driven, humanitarian non-profit organization using sport and play to enhance child development and build community capacity for youth in refugee camps and disadvantaged communities throughout the world.

He is the author of the children's book "Yes, I can!