Here we are again, at the start of a new year. Resolutions have been made or are being made, only to be broken again, just like last year and all the year(s) before. Why do we even bother? Are we that smart (or stupid) that we think we can change our habits? Why is it every year we make resolutions, probably knowing we will not keep them?
Every year presents new and different challenges and opportunities. Yet, at the same time every year it is the same. January is cold and snowy, schools may be closed for the weather as well as businesses, if it is bad enough. We complain about the cold, unless we are skiers. We feel isolated, and perhaps are even late for work. Better days are ahead of us, but too far ahead to even think about. January is “the pits,” memories of the joyous Christmas season, remind us of the good times. The nights are long, the depressing dark of winter is here.
Then suddenly we hear the echoes of, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” Even with the news of crime and injustice we feel a lift. As the carol ends there is a positive phrase, “the wrong will fail and the right prevail.” Think about it. There is much positive in our world, even with all the negatives. We need to keep an upbeat and positive attitude. Not dwell on the negative, even though “I Heard the Bells …” mentions despair and dark and dreary, it ends with that positive phrase.
Positive thoughts will prevail, positive action will give us a lift and improve our attitude as well as our lives. So when we make our resolutions this year, think of the good, the positive, how we want to see the new year. Then we need to work on keeping these resolutions. Unlike previous years. Be aware of new opportunities that may help the positive attitude. We never know when a new opportunity will present itself.
With the world in turmoil, wars, inflation, the vast divisions in our country, Congress unable to agree on anything, the “woke” mindset trying to force itself on the rest of us and all the other differences, how can we still feel we are a Free country? It is time for a change in attitude, a time to unify, a time to respect other viewpoints and opinions.
The opportunities for everyone are out there, we – all of us – as in We the people, to live, to love, to respect, and to be true Americans. We just need to open our eyes and set our priorities straight. Set our resolutions in a realistic manner, then work on keeping them.
Happy New Year!
Herb Dettmer is a retired Bowling Green resident, U.S. Army veteran and writes this column representing the viewpoint of “Joe Average” citizen. He is freelance writer and author of “Others,” a devotional book. Call or text “Joe” with comments at 419-494-4641.
