It has been a few years since I made any New Year resolutions. I just didn't see the need, and that (tome) is the first step toward arrogance. Oh, not that I have vigorously kept those previous goals, but I feel making resolutions means you identify things about yourself you would like to be better. As I looked back at 2023 i saw some things with which I was not happy in how I handled them - or the outcome.
Looking back at 2023
Overall, it was an amazing year. Linda and I took trips to see family and friends across the US and then celebrated our anniversary with a trip to Kenya on safari - a lifelong dream of Linda's [Oct 10, 2023, post]. It was a good year to reconnect and rejoice with people dear to us both and so many changes to our home inside and outside. Yes, a good year overall.
But there were downsides. I found out I have leukemia and then found out that someone I know has cancer and similar to my experience had to undergo radiation. In my case it was CML and caught early so on this I am not too worried, and the other person - well they handled the radiation well and initial information looks promising. The real concern to me is the loss of a friend [Nov 12, 2023, post]. I think of him almost daily, as though I was going through the grieving process. Perhaps I am. So, with that I created my first New Year Resolution of 2024:
> Speak My Opinion(s) Less. As it says in 'Desiderata' - "Speak your truth quietly and clearly..." and I will continue to do that, but not just to be heard. I realize now that was hubris. Yes, if I am asked, I will state my opinion. and I will voice my opinion when I feel it offers value to other beyond myself. I think some of my public posts were indeed hubris and possibly one of the catalysts for the loss of my friend. Certainly, his inability to discuss without anger contributed to the fracture of our relationship. But my need to place my opinion in a public forum significantly contributed to his ire. Had I been more personal and discussed it initially with him perhaps this separation could have been avoided. I do indeed miss my friend.
> My second resolution is a classic - lose weight and be more fit. For me that means not just eating less but eating better. It's not rocket science. I plan to walk and exercise more as well, especially through these winter months. My goal here is 180 pounds from an initial weight of 220 pounds.
> The final resolution is to write more. Ideally my blog on a weekly basis and finish my book (Exile) and (Anthon-ology - short stories) by mid-year. Regarding the blog entries, I would like to do one per week minimum (not that anyone is really reading them or following them. But it is a place for me to express myself and even vent without too much potential of angering anyone.
What do I hope for, aspire to in 2024?
Obviously, achieve my resolutions but also to become ever closer to family and friends and of course my dear and lovely Linda. Time with her is always time best spent.
I also want to find a part-time position. Nothing fancy - but with the house in good condition and so many small items done I think I need to find a purpose outside the home. This is a "we'll see" and depends on a number of factors.
Overall, I am optimistic of 2024. I even think it may signal the end of Donald Trump. I believe in the American dream. I believe the average American is good and recognizes a purveyor of hate and discord. For anyone who happens to read this... NO - I am not a Joe Biden fan/supporter - but we live in a time where those good people won't run and instead our government is populated by those who prefer followers over constituents. I miss the Roosevelts (FDR and Teddy), and the Eisenhower's.
I have hope that 2024 is going to be a good year.
No comments:
Post a Comment