This is a popular meme that has been making the rounds on Facebook.
And as funny as it is, it is also a little scary.
Today we start a new year, full of hope, but also fully aware of just how crappy 2020 was, and that just because it is officially 2021, "it ain't over yet."
We flipped a page on our calendars (or burned the 2020 calendar in a symbolic gesture), but it doesn't mean a clean slate.
It used too.
With COVID still running rampant, a lot of us are hesitant to plan to celebrate anything. The new vaccines are beginning to be administered, but I am pretty far down on the list before I get one.
In fact, I really don't want one. I'm not really comfortable with something playing with my genes.
Regardless, this is hopefully the light at the end of the tunnel.
A new year is typically an exciting time. Many of us make resolutions, that within two weeks are shelved. We start working out, begin new diets, promise to be better kids, spouses, friends.
We fail...miserably.
But, I will still make my resolutions. I find they help get me started on a right track. Some have stuck, some have crapped out within days.
Resolution #1...go out for a run! Check!
But trying something new, and resolving to make it happen is important. It can even save your life.
Even though it wasn't a New Years' Resolution, my brother stopped smoking. He has been smoke free for well over a year. And that's after 25 plus years of smoking. I am super proud of him. It's been a tough road for him. He's made some pretty bad choices, but thankfully he is still here with us.
He's an ass, but he's my brother. And I love him.
It is easy to make a resolution when you have a BHAG! I know what I have to do (get in the pool!!!), and what I need to stop doing (eating junk food). And bike, and run.
And, It is always easier said than done, but again, making an effort is just as important, because you never know what may stick. Or what bad habit will be erased. Or what friendships will be fixed.
Even though we are still in the middle of this pandemic, 2021 is a brand new year. And still a new beginning full of potential and possibilities.
I am reminded of the TV special, Rudolph's Shiny New Year. First airing in 1976, the story is that the Baby New Year, Happy, has run away. Father Time lets Santa know, and enlists the help of Rudolph (since visibility is still very difficult). Rudolph with assistance from other characters set off to find Happy so the new year can begin, otherwise it will be December 31 forever.
If that's not enough, Eon the Terrible, a giant vulture is trying to keep Happy away as well. Otherwise, his "eon" is over, and he will turn to ice and snow.
Anyway, the reason Happy ran away in the first place was that he has large ears, that make people laugh.
I think about this rarely seen show almost every new year. I think about what if this really did happen, and the new year never got started. Good lord, we’d be stuck in 2020 forever!
But it also reminds me of being kind to others, and "walking in others shoes" before making a judgment.
A goofy little claymation show that still makes an impact.
No matter what, I know that 2021 will be better than 2020. I was so excited for 2020...and it crapped all over us.
I am hesitant to say it, but 2021 cannot get any worse. It can only get better...I believe it whole heartedly!
Every year has its ups and downs...and even though 2020 had a lot of downs, there were still some ups, and in many ways they were small but humbling ups.
The kind that stay with you for a long, long time.
Happy New Year!
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