But First, Let’s Get Serious About The Season Just Past…And Keep It Present…

Addressing Our Resolutions…Why? Why not? Let’s try…Some might Actually take…

Resolutions…Whether or not we take them seriously, we can’t ignore the seasonal reminders. On the one hand, we know we could do and be better. It’s the accountability factor that gets in the way…especially as we age and become more “independent” (obstinate.) The resolutions can be expirational or inspirational. It’s up to us. Let me offer several suggestions. Look them over and see which resonate. They could all make a positive difference. Their effectiveness is up to your Friend in the Mirror.

In No Order… For Your Reflective Consideration…

—Audit your charitable giving priorities. Increase where appropriate and possible…decrease/drop if you can’t justify…make these contributions count…I’m also doing this with political donations when I’ve determined that I’m getting little positive return for my investment.

—Be a good neighbor…meet your neighbors if you haven’t…show yourself friendly…

—Tip generously and widely…to more than just waitstaff…Tip live musicians…

—Create and encourage “real time” with children/grandchildren…time off the screens, with conversation and experiential opportunities…

—Model kindness and constructive conflict resolution…call out racist language, hate speech, especially with family, friends and colleagues.

—Get outside more…Breathe, Swim, Walk…Pay attention to the world around you…Get a new pair of comfortable walking shoes…

—Be informed…Audit your information sources…seek diverse opinions…promote constructive conversations…

—Downsize your “stuff”…glean your closets, medicine cabinet, pantry, files, etc…

—Your life experience is important…Document it…Journal, use bullet points for later expansion…start writing

—Make the effort to expand your friendships, meet “others”…especially those different from you…

VOLUNTEER…Personally engage where possible, more than token contributions…Support/Volunteer in your neighborhood schools…

—Pursue creative expression…Take art/music lessons…write poetry and prose…take guitar, keyboard lessons…

—Help your political reps to be more effective…encourage them to choose partners “across the aisle” to leverage effectiveness with key issues (guns, education, immigration, healthcare, social justice, women’s issues, etc)

—Model Kindness…Discourage abusive, thoughtless behavior of any sort…

—Make time to have fun and be silly. Embarrass your children and grandchildren. There is a time and place, but the world needs more good-natured humor. Start by going to a nearby mirror, cross your eyes and shout “BOOGERS!” Note the proximate reactions…

In Closing

Have I mastered all these suggested resolutions? Of course not. Many are aspirational. I’m striving…But we’d have better communities if we worked TOGETHER to achieve better. Our opportunities are unlimited. We should frequently ask ourselves, “Are we EFFECTIVE, or just busy?” There IS a difference.

We’ve experienced a tough year in many ways, and 2024 starts amidst considerable chaos and uncertainty. We’ve got lots of opportunities to rise to many occasions. LET’S!

WISHING YOU A HAPPY, HEALTHY, PEACEFUL AND REWARDING NEW YEAR…

A TOAST!