Looking back and moving on | Filed under General
“It doesn’t get any better than this.”
“Things couldn’t get much worse.”
Both of the above statements are of course incorrect. Situations can always be both better and worse than we can imagine, and that is a good thing. What the statements do represent are benchmarks, or just points on the continuum of our lives.
Here at the end of the calendar year, many of us consider the events of the past year and may use one of the above statements or something in between. All of these events leave their mark on us in some way and shape our outlook on both the past and the future. Surely each year is filled with better and worse events, some of which seem delightfully heart-warming and others that seem to be unnecessarily heart wrenching.
Some of us look forward to the New Year with anticipation, hoping or expecting it to be better than the year just experienced. Others hope or expect it to remain constant and comfortable if the previous year was extremely positive. Some are doing the best they can just to stay even. To them, a year of progress may mean simply hanging on.
Another approach is to say that each year and experience is what it is. Better or worse only exist in the realm of conditions and comparisons. As we contemplate both, we may forget that our reality lies in the present moment.
We can focus on whatever we choose. As human beings we are going to encounter negative experiences that we cannot ignore or control. Keeping our personal power intact does not mean that we pretend that these things do not exist, but that we choose our position in relation to them.
One of the things I do not do is make a list of Resolutions for the New Year, I do reflect on the previous year and look for things I would like to do or improve during the next year. I just play a little game and never call them resolutions so as to not set myself up for a failure before I get started. Most of these are promises we make to ourselves, things about ourselves that we would like to change or habits we would like to either break or develop. Many times I see the same list year after because I like to think I can always improve.
My list is simple:
- Encourage others
- Compliment others
- Do something for someone in need
- Do not insult anyone
- Be good to myself
- Give thanks
I may add to this list if I need to but I think and feel if I constantly remind myself of these actions, many other things fall into place over time during thyearer year that very soon will make itself a part of our past, another set of days for us to look back on and reflect upon our actions, our inaction, our accomplishments and achievements. I hope that your ‘05 has been a great year in your life,and that you’re looking forward to making ‘06 even more special than any year that you’ve lived through so far! It is my hope during ‘06 you will continue to come pull up a seat and set a spell with Ms. Vickie , the Southern Belle.
December 31st, 2005 at 12:24 pm
I’ll work on number 4 if you make sure not to slip up on number 5. Happy New Year young lady, see you next year.
December 31st, 2005 at 1:46 pm
Happy New Year Ms Vickie. You have good goals.
December 31st, 2005 at 2:04 pm
I love your list Vickie! HAPPY NEW YEAR to you…..and may 2006 be everything you want it to be!
December 31st, 2005 at 4:36 pm
You are such an inspiration, you always have been and will be. I admire you more than you know for attitude and your honesty. Beautiful post.
2006 is going to be only a start to love, laughter, and happiness in our lives - Missy and Pita be damned. We are in charge of our lives, not them. We’ll weather the hard times and cherish the good - together.
Love & hugs dear friend. Happy New Year.
December 31st, 2005 at 5:40 pm
Those are good rules to live by every day.
Peace and happiness to you in the coming year!
December 31st, 2005 at 6:06 pm
GREAT POST. Wishing you peace, hugs and blessings for the new year, Vickie!
December 31st, 2005 at 6:08 pm
Happy New Year Vickie!! I hope all your dreams and hopes come true for the new year. You are such a deserving good soul. Hugsssssssss
December 31st, 2005 at 6:38 pm
Great post, as usual. Staying “even” is my goal along with all those you posted. I’ll be settin’ here with ya as long as you let me.
God Bless you, my friend.
December 31st, 2005 at 7:58 pm
Happy New Year. May all the joy, happiness, and succes that such a wonderful beginning promises, be yours.
Keep smilin’
December 31st, 2005 at 8:15 pm
You are a joy to others, Miss Vickie. I’m glad I met you. Happy New Year.
December 31st, 2005 at 8:18 pm
Wonderfully well written as usual. I’m glad I found this place. I will definately be back next year. Until then, take care and have a safe and happy new year!
December 31st, 2005 at 10:16 pm
I have things I’d like to do, but don’t write them down. I don’t want to disappoint myself, but instead celebrate my successes. I’m too goal-oriented as it is. Happy New Year!
December 31st, 2005 at 11:41 pm
Excellent, Vickie! I know you already have several of these down pretty well–you’re a good Southern Belle!
January 1st, 2006 at 12:26 am
Best wishes, sugah.
January 1st, 2006 at 1:51 am
HAPPY NEW YEAR MISS VICKIE!!!!
January 1st, 2006 at 3:24 am
Happy New Year sweetie
January 1st, 2006 at 5:56 am
Hi Vickie, let me join all your other friends in wishing you all the very best for 2006.