Monday; January 1

When we discuss the coming of a new year it is tempting to get excited about a chance to begin again.  It might even sound like we get to hit a reset button or begin a reboot process so that everything starts anew.  Unfortunately, that isn’t necessarily accurate.  The unwrapping of a new calendar doesn’t mean that history has changed or events have been altered.  It isn’t like the movie “Groundhog Day” where we get to keep starting over until we get it right.  There is something nice about a new year, but it isn’t the answer to all of our past problems.
The value in the new year is an artificial point in time when we can affect some changes in our lives.  No, we don’t get to start afresh, but we can start thinking and acting differently.  There are two areas where a chance to reframe ourselves can be advantageous:
Attitudes:  For the most part, we get to pick our attitudes.  People can influence our circumstances, but we have the last say in how we respond or react to them.   A new year is a good time to consider how our attitudes have helped or hurt us in the past.  Today might be a good time to begin being more positive.
Priorities:  Most of us are where we are because of the priorities we have had in the past.  The choices of what has been important to us has lead us to the here and now.  A new year is a wonderful opportunity to do some 360 degree reflection and determine what will be important to us from here on out. 
          No, the coming of 2018 doesn’t bring a clean slate, but we do have a chance to make some changes that can help us live better, more fulfilling lives.  Do we know what we want out of the future?  Are we willing to do what is necessary to pursue it?
          Think About It!

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