Here we are – a new start in a new year. I’m not one for making resolutions for the new year. I think it’s good to have goals, but I don’t like to use the new year as a benchmark. Some goals are easier than others, so some can be achieved quickly (then you’re done) while others may take years to accomplish (never-ending). I set goals as I need to. If I knock one out, then I set another. If one drags on…well, then I stick with it as best I can until I hit it.
2018 was an interesting year. I turned fifty, which was quite the accomplishment for me. I was a bit rough on myself when I was younger and wasn’t sure I’d make it this far. So while I did hit that milestone, there were so many other things that distracted me from growing older. Issues at work, at home, the ups and downs of everyday life. There was so much going on around me that the year flew by and I feel as if I barely had time to notice it.
Online, I see a lot of people hoping that 2019 will be better for them. We all want that for ourselves. But we have to keep in mind that we need those down times, those unhappy experiences. It’s what helps us to appreciate the good stuff. If life was always good we’d be bored and wishing for excitement.
For those folks who had a rough 2018, it’s okay. We’ve all been there. We’re all fumbling about in our lives trying to make things work, trying not to fuck things up, and hoping we don’t hurt anyone or anything. I know how hard it can be but I try to stay positive. I try to remember the good things in my life, even when shit is hitting the fan. There may not be much good at any given moment, but there’s always something good to focus on. For me, I often think of my dogs, about how they act when I get home at the end of the work day, how much they love riding in the car with the windows down, or walking in the park on a cool morning. When I’m having a rough time I force myself to stop what I’m doing and take a moment to think about them. It helps me to re-center myself. It also makes me smile.
I sincerely hope that everyone has a good year, a better year. I hope that despite any obstacles or setbacks, everyone accomplishes something important, achieves some level of success, and that they (and you) feel loved and needed. It may come from unexpected sources and you may not notice it right away, but there’s someone who cares about you and wants to see you happy.
Remember, we’re all just guessing. There’s no user manual for life. We simply try to move forward, try to be happy, try to succeed.
So try to do some good in your world. Even if you’re feeling down, try to make someone else smile. It’ll be good for both of you.
Happy New Year.
RB