This year,
like every year, I guess, was filled with ups and downs… not just for me, but
for everyone, it seems. 2012 is ending up (not a moment too soon) on a sad note
for much of the nation, with so much violence having taken place just recently,
on the heels of the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy. The economy, the
animosity caused by the election, and the state of the world in general has all
been so… overwhelming. It’s made the holidays, a time that’s difficult for me
anyway, really, really difficult.
But tomorrow
begins a new year… 2013. I’ve realized that there is little I can change about
any of the things I mentioned above. But I can change the way I see the world…
I can change the way I react to what happens in the world… I can. But there are
a few things I have to remember in order to make this happen.
So 2013
will be, for me, 'The Year of Remembering.’
I will
remember that there are more good people in the world than bad.
I will
remember that living in anger and fear is a choice… a choice I will NOT make.
I will
remember that what people think of me is none of my business.
I will
remember that it’s not my job to try to change anyone’s mind about anything.
I will
remember that being kind is more important than being right.
I will
remember that when I criticize others, my own shortcomings are shining through.
I will
remember that the people who love me are my family, even if they’re not related
by blood.
I will
remember that nothing worth having comes easily or quickly.
I will
remember that my failures are lessons I need to learn in order to succeed.
I will
remember that falling down is not nearly so important as getting back up again.
I will remember
that what I put into Life is what I will get back.
I will
remember that to receive good things, I have to open myself to them.
I will
remember to love harder, laugh bigger, create more, connect in the most
positive way I can with all the people around me, and to get daily doses of
nature and literature and good, whole foods.
And…
