2020 and 2021 felt like they were one long challenging year and as the end of 2021 approached, it seemed like things were progressively getting worse. The pandemic hysteria seemed to ramp up, the cost of everyday goods and services continued to rise, the negativity on a variety of topics in the social discourse was raging, and I was personally saddened by the deaths of a few men that I admired a great deal. It is safe to say that no one was disappointed to see 2021 leave the party.
Flipping the calendar can mentally mark new beginnings, but in reality, nothing really resets or starts over. All of those issues previously mentioned were still there on Jan 1st. There is no reset button for the pandemic, economy, or any other crisis one may be dealing with except for how we mentally view these things. Of all the things that are out of our control, our minds, our attitudes, and how we respond to things happening around us are truly the things we have direct control over and can start anew.
Which brings us to New Year’s resolutions. What makes Jan 1st of any given year any different from any other day on the calendar as it relates to making a change or starting something new? Eating better, exercising more, and losing weight always seem to be popular New Year’s resolutions and I guess it is in-part due to eating properly during the holidays can be a challenge. However, why wait until the calendar flips? Whether it’s eating right, exercising more, committing to whatever it is we find ourselves wanting to change, why wait? Tomorrow is not promised and the sooner we can make that change, the closer we will be to reaching our goals. Starting January 1st, March 22nd, August 5th, it really doesn’t matter the date, what matters is that you start in the first place. Don’t put it off, start today, right now, what are you waiting for?