Resolve.

Well, the time has come again to hit old the reset button and resolve to be the people we think we should be. New Year’s resolutions are currently being considered and written down and enthusiastically anticipated. We have another chance to do and be better. Why we wait for a New Year to begin these things, I do not know, but this is as good a time as any, I suppose. Perhaps, the New Year represents a clean break from the year that was and allows for a definitive end of a time and a definitive beginning to a new time.


This new time is filled with hope and optimism and dreams of a better life. I love these dreams. Dreams and hope are some of the best things we have. Setting goals that lead us in the direction we want to travel are vital to actually moving in that direction. Thoughtfully exploring how we can achieve a better life is important in our evolution. And while thinking these exciting and important thoughts and considering the things we want and maybe need to change, it is also worth considering all the things that don’t need to change. Unless one happens to be a total dipstick, most of us are doing many more things right than wrong. Certainly, there is always room for improvement, but focusing on what we lack instead of what we have is a little contrary to the goals of being better and can truly sabotage any improvements we are trying to achieve.

I believe that we are hard-wired to feel good. It is natural and right. We have unfortunately been conditioned to make ourselves feel bad, but it really serves us very little. We accomplish much more when we hop out of bed upbeat and enthusiastic than when we mope and whine and wait. With this in mind, as I sit in my cozy living room with the carcasses of six happy, sleepy little girls sprawled on the floor surrounding me following a late night slumber party, I remember that for all the things in my life that need some improvement, many things do not. Life is pretty good as is. Life is always pretty good and while I will resolve to be better in many ways, I will not neglect to appreciate the good stuff that exists everyday. This good stuff is called “today” and it is filled with everything that means anything and is the most valuable thing I have.

So, as we turn the page on 2010 and look forward to a great 2011, I encourage everyone, while looking forward, also look back. Look back at the stuff that is working. Look around at the ways life is wonderful. It is terrific everyday and while we all can and should do and be better, life is already pretty awesome. Feel good about this. Resolve to appreciate this, too.

Thanks and Happy New Year to everyone who takes the time to read my words. I appreciate your gracious comments and for graciously not commenting when you think I’m an idiot. Cheers and best wishes for a great year ahead!! -Dave