A Word about 2019
A Word about 2019
It’s that time of the year again, a natural time for us to look back and look ahead.
I have shared the following strip with you before, but it is one of my favorites, and I know you will also appreciate it . . . again!
Bill Watterson is the genius behind the long-running comic strip, Calvin and Hobbes. His final strip was published December 31, 1995. A framed copy is hanging on the wall of my office. It is a beautiful reminder of how I want to live my life.
As you are thinking about the most important things in your life: your family and friends, your past, present and future, your values, priorities and character. I urge you to consider the following:
- Regarding the Past
Gratitude–Think about all the people and other influences that have helped bring you to the point in life where you are now. None of us gets where we are by ourselves. As John Donne has so eloquently explained,
No man is an island,
Entire of itself,
Every man is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
Regrets will also be a natural part of your past. Please do not allow yourself to dwell on what you cannot change. Rather, think about the lessons that you need to learn from from your past mistakes and poor choices.
- Regarding the Future
I want your thoughts and plans about the future to be characterized by hope, optimism and anticipation. Brain studies have shown that it is possible to “re-wire” our thinking away from anxiety and negativity. I challenge you to work on that in 2019.
And yes, I want you to go exploring! It truly is a magical world!
When thinking about life, remember this:
No amount of guilt can change the past, and
No amount of anxiety can change the future!
Happy New Year!
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