Make a toast, sing Auld Lang Syne, and eat some black-eyed peas for good luck!
The clock strikes twelve midnight on Dec. 31, and a fresh New Year is ushered in. The 1st of January holds a lot of promise. It establishes a brand new set point to launch new goals and start better habits.
It’s the most popular day worldwide to make resolutions to change one’s lifestyle in one way or another. As with any anticipated journey around the sun, it is likely that regardless of resolutions made, planning and good intentions, life will introduce many twists and turns.
Is there an alternative to escape the trap and pressure which loads us up when making a long list of New Year’s resolutions? Are the typical goals to lose weight and eat healthier achievable? Statistics reveal that a majority of resolutions fall apart by February. Is there a different way to lean into becoming a better and stronger person in the New Year?
It is part of our human nature to want to control our environment and secure a safe and predictable future based upon our experiences of the past. As I contemplate how quickly the years roll over and ask myself questions like, “How long has it been since Y2K?” my mind wanders and I recall how very different things used to be.
Honestly, I have accumulated some layers of insecurity accepting the many changes that I see today in the modern world. My childhood was spent with a different set of rules.
I recently witnessed an interesting exchange between my grandkids. My 7-year-old granddaughter was occupied with educating her 2-year-old brother in the art of building his vocabulary.
He was floating around my living room pointing to multiple items with a common query, “What dis?” He pointed his tiny finger at a radio and asked her about its name and identity. His knowledgeable older sister responded by saying, “That is a radio. It is the box that just plays random music and you have no choice in picking what songs you want to hear.”
Herein this moment illustrates my feeling of generational disconnection. Is it possible that alongside the introduction of streaming, perhaps has also grown an entitlement to easily control every detail of one’s environment?
If we internally hope to generate change in the New Year, I propose we don’t load up our suitcase for the journey with too much baggage. Try letting go of the guilt and weighty list of things about yourself that disappointed you regarding what you did not accomplish last year.
Overstuffed bags weigh us down and also slow us down. Like physical baggage, emotional baggage has the power to bog us down, derail our course and fizzle out our energy.
Instead, we can choose to bring our burdens to God. Philippians 4: 5-7 states, “The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
By giving over our burdens to God, we can experience peace and feel refreshed. Quoting Matthew 11: 28, Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
Instead of making a long list of unrealistic resolutions, consider consolidating your tools and gear in a lighter and more self-reflective manner. Attempt walking through the open door of 2025 with just a carry-on bag full of expectations.
Harness a fresh view about your reaction to challenges and pitfalls you may encounter. The reality is that there will be unexpected disruptions in your path. Despite the access to shortcuts available through technological advancement, we cannot script a playlist that predicts what hurdles we may face.
Ask yourself questions that do not require immediate answers. Looking inside ourselves to reflect upon what is important to us and what inspires us can begin to create positive change in our lives. There is no single perfectly right answer when you are developing the steps toward a goal. Reflect on the questions that energize you and draw you closer to actions that matter to you.
Self-discovery can move your life forward in a positive direction. What do you see around you that you would like to change? How would you like to pass forward a kindness that has been shown to you?
How do you feel about alleviating poverty, hunger, loneliness, and suffering among your neighbors? Vocalize out loud your desires for change. A natural momentum can evolve in response.
Will you consider packing a lighter bag to carry into the New Year? Can you set aside your past shortcomings and embrace your special gifts and talents?
If your answer is yes, then you can set the stage for an authentically transformative year.
Janet Mills is the director of Cassville Pantry, located at 800 W.
10th St. in Cassville. She may be reached at cassvillepantry@gmail. com or 417-846-7871
