It was 60 degrees in northern New Jersey today. The sun was shining and the opportunity to spend the day outside couldn’t be missed. We spent the afternoon at the Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, and while a few of the attractions were closed for the season, the animals were all taking advantage of the relief from the frigid temperatures earlier this week.

Turtle Back has gone through a major transformation over the past decade. It isn’t the shoddy, poorly maintained sadness inducing zoo I grew up with. Now it is a small gem in the midst of one of the most densely populated counties in the most densely populated state.

As this new year begins, and people look for fresh starts and clean slates, it seems appropriate to have spent the day at a place that, for years, fought itself to prevent irrevocable deterioration. This year, while I too look for opportunities to affect positive change, I hope to remember that true, real and effective change takes time and perseverevence.