THE PROBLEM WITH NEW YEARS
This typically is a time where the world takes a look back at what we have done individually or as a collective. It’s a time to pat ourselves on the back. A time to dream of things to come. A time to challenge ourselves to be everything we dreamed we could be as a kid. There is a huge gapping hole in this effort to tackle goals or make things better. I’m sure you’re thinking I’m off my rocker and a huge pessimist. That well may be the case, but hear me out. Personal goals are great. But i am finding more and more that people are even better. Mainly people that we walk past at work, our neighborhoods and cities. We drive past them on the street corners. They can be ones we hug at family reunions. Whether we share life with them or they are part of the set design for our life. Im sure I’m not the only one that has received bad news in some fashion over the holidays. In the last 2 weeks alone i’ve heard some horrible news.
One of my friends from college was told that the cancer has come back.
Christmas Eve day brought news that an extended family member has been diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer. It’s in his kidney, liver, spine throat and I’m sure a few more places.
New Year Eve day brought yet more miserable news. A dear friend of ours had another miscarriage.
Even within the time i started this post to now i’ve learned of 2 more families hurting.
A sudden Christmas day death.
A family that is currently huddled around their youngest in the hospital.
Proof we live in a broken world full of hurting people. With all the planning to make your life better in the months to come, i beg of you to make it a priority to live life with someone along the way. Share in the sorrows that plague those around you. Being generous with your love can give you peace, even if it’s you that’s hurting. Allow it to be a catalyst for healing to take root. Use it as a time to be vulnerable with others. You may even find strength and perspective from those your reaching out to. I can tell you from personal experience that simple acts make a difference. In the past month i’ve received simple post-it notes of encouragement, anonymous letters with holiday love, and a bag of gifts to round out Christmas for my children. It all made the stress of the holidays easier to endure and overcome. Setting goals to be a better person, a healthier person, a more attentive parent are fine and dandy, but do yourself a favor and be about other people. Put them first. Tend to there needs. Love them. Send a note, a hand written note. Pick up the phone, even if it’s to say “i don’t know what to say, but I’m here to listen.” Start simple and see what you can do when you get some momentum.