New Year's Day is often looked at as a day of renewal or a chance for a new start. There's usually a tremendous sense of optimism as people look to the future and pledge to make positive things happen during the upcoming months. Most years allow for that kind of hopefulness, but there are some years that don't look so bright. If the previous year has gone poorly and set up a number of negative trends, then the future might not look so bright. Such a year is 2023. Between growing economic and social problems and the increasing probability of a full blown world war, it's hard not to be a little pessimistic. That being said, there is a good chance that things will work out and that disaster will be avoided, but that will require a bit of luck!