Today is the last day of 2014. Reflecting back on this last year, I must say 2014 was not one of my favorite years.
-The US is still at war.
-The economy remains in the gutter.
-Our gov't is run by ignorant people, who's primary goals are a lusting after "power".
-Our emotional & maturity capital is shot.
-Many citizens are chronically unemployed or underemployed.
-Many 'millennials' (defined as those with, "...birth years ranging from the early 1980s to the early 2000s.) don't care that they are not working. (This will last only until they are weaned off their parents' financial tits.) In all fairness to them, others have also given up because there aren't any decent jobs out there.
-Climate change is gaining momentum while efforts to mitigate this impact languish in a muddy sea of propaganda.
So whats someone that strives to have as clear a vision of 'reality' as possible to do?
As for me, I am going to draw inward-deliberately.
I may not be able to effect public policy. I may not be able to stop the US war machine. I can not stop climate change. But I can contribute to my own perception. And I want this next year to be more positive, less sad.
My goals for 2015 are:
-Take better care of myself. Exercise, eat better & provide myself the same advice, care, time, that I would my very best friend. And this time I REALLY intend to DO IT!
-Deliberately down scale. Think local. Concentrate on improving my little corner of the world. Admittedly, I have no hope for the world. Most people are too complex, selfish, short-sighted.
-Grow that garden I've always envisioned. Strive to be ever more self-reliant.
-Remember I am not a Social Worker! No one really wants another person's advice. And others' problems are not mine. Not my circus, not my monkeys!
-Regularly plan & schedule activities I like by deliberately adding them to my calendar. Why not go fishing or get out onto a river once a month or a week? Where will I go this year on my motorcycle!? Think of all the life possibilities!!!!
-Practice an attitude of gratitude. Not let what I don't have overshadow what I DO have!
-Savor each day. Everything is finite & someday I won't be here to see my grandson's smile.
-Reflect on how far I've progressed in my personal goals but don't be afraid to reinvent myself if I've outgrown something. The only thing that stays the same is change.
Thinking back on this past year, I haven't really given myself any credit for the growth achieved this year. Pause for thought.....Yes, this year hasn't been a waste. In fact, I feel more positive about the future today than I've felt in years. Could it be I've finally turned a corner?
I have grown, changed & matured in a positive direction. Friendships have deepened & others have waned but this is a natural cycle of life. Remember the adage of not making those that consider you an option, a priority in your life.
Conclusion....positive growth & forward movement was achieved in 2014. And this next year can be as full of possibilities as I let it be!
Unfortunately I have no optimistic expectations for future world events. I expect no action on any governments part to mitigate climate change or to implement any real changes to business as usual. We will be lemmings marched off the proverbial cliff & tragically, those with this predominant mindset will drag us that do not agree with them, off the cliff, with them. But today is a good day to die.
Fortunately, I live my life as if every day is my last so there are few words remaining to be said or actions left undone. I can continue to deepen my existing relationships & withdraw from the insanity of what seems to comprise society.
So Happy New Year to Self! Here's to moving forward in personal growth & all of the life possibilities out there!!
