Ring in a new you in 2017

Another year comes to an end. To some, 2016 had many hurdles to jump and was a troublesome year. For others, 2016 showed promise and a glitter of hope for better days. 2017 will hopefully shine bright for all, as we say goodbye to the year that was and we gear up for a year that will be.
A New Year is a chance for humans to celebrate being human. We are a species that can change and evolve, if we choose. A New Year is an opportunity to re-invent if something wasn’t working quite right. A time to make a few changes for the better. A resolution is simply that. Choosing to make an attempt to do this or that, hopefully for your own benefit, and not somebody else’s.
Each New Year is a reset button. A clean slate for each and every person on the planet. Everyone could use a new day to recreate, re-imagine, repurpose one’s self. Be you, but a slightly improved you — whatever that means.
As 2017 sits patiently in wait, 2016 is no doubt eager to bow out. Can you believe 2020 is only a few years away? Where’s the hoverboards? Where’s the teleportation devices? Where’s world peace and equality for all?
Unfortunately, the human race has a long way to go to get it right. Sure, we’ve made some strides, but humans have a tendency to not like change and behavioural modification isn’t an easy task for the most of us.
During the holidays is when humans shine. Kindness and paying it forward are in high numbers, but slowly afterwards humans reconfigure to their old habits both good and bad.
That’s why resolutions are great in theory, but lack in practice. As, most are not very practical in the long run or could be if we really meant it.
As singers sang, “We wish you a Merry Christmas” during the holiday season — a resolution carol is simply, “We wish you a Merry Resolution in the New Year.” It is a wish in the future for a friend or loved one or for one’s self.
Work on becoming the you you’d like most in the New Year. But, take it easy on yourself. Cut yourself some slack, while making a resolve to be better or do better.
Life is too short to worry about self-preservation at times. Stress needs to be kicked to the curb in 2017, so don’t sweat the small stuff. Don’t set unattainable goals. Keep it simple and allow time for the resolution to take.
Rome wasn’t built in a day. Either was the county.
Baby step your way to a resolution, if you’ve made one or two or a handful. Help others obtain their goals, if you can or at the very least offer support in words of encouragement or actions.
Happy New Year and may you ring in a new you in 2017 if you choose.