New Years came a few times this year.

The first count down was on Power 96, the second on 103.5, and the third on an underground station.

I celebrated in the car while I went to meet other friends. There was no ball drop. No confetti. No loud party. No regrets.

So there, the four of us sat: my two closest friends from childhood in the front seats and my best friend from New York in the back seat with me.

The week before, we all joked about losing a few more pounds before school started. But as our voices chimed the last count down until midnight, we didn’t speak of resolutions; instead, we laughed.

It felt strange not feeling the pressure of a usual wish list. No need to be skinner or smarter or healthier or friendlier or braver.

There was no desire to make this year better than last, but a sense of excitement of what this year might bring.

The feeling reminded me of a party invitation my parents received. A woman inviting them to her husband’s surprise birthday party sent a card that said: your presence is your present.

The idea was interesting because the card wasn’t from a rich couple. They didn’t want gifts because they would be content to share the evening with friends, no wish list required.

The card made me wonder when everyone’s wishing stops. I’ve seen friends go to the mall with no particular need in mind, just a desire to buy something new.

But when does the desire subside? When can we be that couple who doesn’t need anymore?

I’m convinced that happiness is a state of mind. It’s the ability to know we are as smart, popular, talented, beautiful and wealthy as we are.

It isn’t that we should lose hope in obtaining new things, or enjoy them any less, but we should realize that they are only an added bonus.

This year, I defied a long-standing tradition when I didn’t eat all the cookies in my house moments before New Years while thinking midnight starts the diet.

Instead, I enjoyed the people around me, our unusual setting, and the idea that this year might not bring as many additional bonuses as I may like. But, I’ll be happy.