I have always considered myself to be a peculiar sort, ever since I was a kid and looked forward to a new school year each September.

That's because I like new beginnings and fresh starts.

And that's why I always welcome the New Year. To me, it always feels like a splendid opportunity to start all over again, to build on what has been working for me and to push the burden of what wasn't off my shoulders.

This year, I think I am very far from being alone in looking forward to a fresh start. Pundits refer to the current euphoria, all focused on Inauguration Day, as typical of the post-election honeymoon period. There is probably more than a grain of truth there.

Given President Bush's abysmal job approval ratings, I suspect that many Americans look forward to the end of his second term with profound relief. And even those with reservations about Barack Obama may be willing to conceded that he couldn't possibly be any worse.

If anything, no doubt Mr. Obama is fretting about the very real possibility that his fellow citizens have unrealistic expectations of him.

With a new Administration and a new Congress, all of whom have told us that they intend to take us in a new direction, we don't really know what is going to happen this year or which direction that new direction will be. Uncertainty can be very vexing.

Fundamentally, though, Americans tend to be an optimistic bunch, more than ready to put a certain amount of faith in tomorrow — especially if they have been given reason to believe tomorrow will be markedly different from today.

Setting aside the politics for a moment, it might seem a bit daunting to many microbusiness owners that 2009 will require them to get their fresh start in an economic environment that is less than ideal. And certainly, there is plenty to worry about, if you are inclined to worry.

But I hope instead that you will take advantage of this opportunity to look at yourself and your business with fresh eyes, to renew your dedication to your mission and to clear the cobwebs that might have clouded your vision in recent months.

We don't enter 2009 in the best of shape. It will take a lot of effort, and almost as much goodwill, to fix it. And, in spite of the fact that few seem ready to give microbusiness owners credit for the ways they contribute, you and I both know that they won't be able to clean up this mess without us.

So, I hope you're ready. I know I am. In fact, I can hardly wait to get started.