Jan. 1, 2012 – it’s the beginning of the end. This is our last year on Earth. Everything we know and everyone we love will be gone. Yeah, right. I mean, how often have we faced similar hoaxes stating the world will be ruined?

Y2K claimed our computers and other technology databases would revert to the year 1900, threatening all the major industries including banking, manufacturing, telecom and airlines.

Extremists even predicted that computers would take over the world. I had to chuckle at that one. The millennium came and no major issues were reported. What a big surprise. There were also claims that Nibiru, a supposed planet discovered by the Sumerians, was headed toward Earth.

Nibiru was foreseen to collide with Earth in May 2003, but when nothing happened, the date was pushed forward to Dec. 2012. The Mayan calendar ends on Dec. 21, 2012, (how convenient). There seems to be a pattern, and it’s getting out of hand. Apparently, the world always has some dramatic expiration date.

When it doesn’t come true, the next doomsday is predicted. My point being that it is a ridiculous concept – this common speculation of the world ending in a mere twelve months. The truth behind it is quite simple.

According to NASA’s website, “…these two fables (Nibiru and its expected date) were linked to the end of one of the cycles in the ancient Mayan calendar at the winter solstice in 2012 – hence the predicted doomsday date of Dec. 21, 2012.” The Mayan calendar’s ending marks the winter solstice, not the end of the world.

NASA also confirms that Nibiru is nothing more than an Internet hoax. This is why I do not believe the world is coming to an end. However, I do believe everything offers a lesson to be taught.

Why is society so fixated on when the world will end? Rather than focusing on our alleged expiration dates, we should be focusing on the time we have.

You know, live each day to the fullest and all that jazz. Yeah, the calendars on our kitchen walls may end on Dec. 31, but there’s always that next edition to begin the New Year. 2013 will be no exception.