So, I’m not big on New Year’s resolutions. Just seems to me, at least in the mood and anxiety disorder neck of the woods, they’re often set-ups for failure, then self-loathing. But that doesn’t mean my mind isn’t hummin’ along going into the new year. Let’s get after it…
But more than anything else, I’ll continue to accept my emotional and mental challenges, as well as the inevitable accompanying suffering.
My grandson is doing the Play-Doh thing at the kitchen table, while my daughter’s partner is peeling potatoes. Granddaughter will be back soon and we’ll get after the goodies under the tree. Life is good, and we’re glad to be together.
Adios to 2018
So another holiday season, and year, have come to an end (I swear I can hear the cheering from some of you). And, of course, the New Year’s resolution articles have been gumming-up minds for several weeks now. Again, I don’t do ’em or write about ’em.
Nope, it’s my preference to end the year with a couple of reflective pieces like this one, as well as last week’s The Four Pillars: A Holiday Message. And, hey, it’s the one time of the year I’m comfortable featuring my mug.
By the way, what better time than the transition from one year to another to share this quotation from Albert Einstein: “The distinction between past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion.”
Hmmm. Think about it, okay?
What About 2019?
(Back home in the ‘burbs of Detroit. Had a tough time leaving the family in Chicago after a week’s visit. Good-byes aren’t my forte, but life moves-on.)
All in all, 2018 went well on this side of the fence. Thing is, though, I’m looking for so much more in 2019 – from me, as well as the society that surrounds and influences me.
Primary on this hummin’ along mind is hope for a collective attitude change, at least here in the U.S. Please, no more coldness, meanness, arrogance, bitterness, and unyielding stances. God, what we’re in the midst of just has to be a “phase,” not a budding zeitgeist.
I mean, it’s this inescapable veil of darkness, and it seems to permeate the psyche of each and every one of us. Believe me, it leaves a mark, as I can sense its presence in clients, whether or not they even realize it’s exacerbating their distress. Trust me, it’s there – period.
So, politicians, media types, entertainers, professional athletes – all of us: Let’s put an end to this polarized existence and do all we can to get along – and enjoy each other.
2019: The Emotional & Mental Opportunity
So now that we’ve discussed my most formidable external stressor, what about the internal “me” (us)?
I like to keep things simple when it comes to what I know I need to do in, and with, my life.
For me, everything flows from how I receive and manage my emotional and mental health circumstances. That always comes first, because if I get things out of order, I’ll pay for it in one way or another.
That’s my particular 2019 emotional and mental opportunity.
And that means that throughout the coming year I’ll continue to learn all I can about my mind, as well as discover and practice new, creative, and Bill-fitting ways to cope. Of course, I’ll stick with the “old-faithfuls” – strategies and techniques that have helped me for decades.
But more than anything else, I’ll continue to accept my emotional and mental challenges, as well as the inevitable accompanying suffering. And I’ll hurt with honor.
“Happy” New Year!
Wishing each and every one of you a meaningful and healing 2019. No doubt, it won’t be perfect; however, it’s all any of us have.
Now, some of you may feel as though looking to the future is a total waste of time. Believe me, things can, and will, become brighter and more hopeful as you get a few, even tiny, successes under your belt. And you can do that.
Never, ever quit, okay?
Take Care…
Bill
Looking for some reading material for the duration of the holiday? How ’bout hundreds of Chipur mood and anxiety disorder-related articles?
