Just what will 2009 bring us? More recession? More angst? More of all the things designed to fill our dreams with insomnia and cold sweat?
Or will 2009 be the start of the turnaround we all hope happens. The last quarter of 2008 became one built around hope. We’ll have our new president in 20 days. There’s no doubt in my mind that he and his administration will make some bold moves out of the gate to shore up the economy and address foreign policies gone astray.
The times, they will be a changin’ and we must be ready to change and adapt.
It starts with our own attitudes. Not long ago, I read an article about how the friends we keep impact our own attitudes – even if they are friends on our Facebook or LinkedIn networks. What’s more interesting is the study found if those friends of ours post smiling profile pictures of themselves, it in turn rubs off on our own personalities and attitudes in a good way. We are, as it were, reflections of those with whom we choose to associate.
I’m all about postitivity – finding a kernel of good in every dark corner that haunts our lives.
With that, get started on your own outlook. Update your profile pics with one that says, “I’m okay, You’re okay. And together we’re off to a positive start to the New Year.”
It’s heeeeeeeeeere: 2009. Well almost here. It’ll be here when we’re all kissing our sweethearts on New Year’s Eve and falling into bed at 12:06 a.m.
I’m not a resolution guy. Perhaps it’s because resolutions like, “I will exercise more,” only focus on the “do” in our lives and not on the “be.” And the “do” we do is done for all the wrong reasons. We “do” something so we can “have” something so we can “be” something else. When we fail on the “do,” the wheels of the plan come off entirely.
So instead of resolving to do something, I’m focusing on being. It starts with finding the one area of life you want to positively change, then selecting a word to guide you through the year. Pick a word to remind you to live life on the “be” level. Instead of “get fit” (do), perhaps you choose the word “health” and focus on making healthy choices the entire year.
My word? Bold.
Short back story: Through the past couple of decades, I got rutted in letting life happen to me. In that time many positive and wonderful things did happen. But I didn’t necessarily play a hand in carving the path with my own machete. No, the path was mostly pre-paved leading to a glass that was just three-quarters full when it should be brimming. My word “bold” will enable me to top off the glass each day – living life intentionally at work, in relationships, at home, in my desire to be fit and happy et al. With this in the forefront, I’ll change behavior, live more purposefully and take myself out of life on the periphery.
I’ve already practiced using my word in recent weeks. It’s presented me with challenges and anxious moments resulting in sleepless nights, like any shift in life presents. Being bold has risks, but it’s a step in a direction I must take. Plus, it’s exhilarating to hear my own voice when I say out loud the things that would have previously gone unsaid or take action on something I would have only thought (mightily) about.
I’ll kick bold into full throttle in January and post on my successes and failures during the year.
In the meantime, I’ve picked this John Mayer cover of “Bold as Love” by Jimi Hendrix as my theme song. We all need anthems in life.
Happy New Year. Make it a bold one.
Lyrics
Anger he smiles, towering in shiny metallic purple armour
Queen jealousy, envy waits behind him
Her fiery green gown sneers at the grassy ground
Blue are the life-giving waters taken for granted
They quietly understand
The once happy turquoise armies lay opposite, ready
But wonder why the fight is on
But they’re all, they’re bold as love, yeah
They’re all, they’re bold as love, love, love
They’re all, they’re bold as love
Just ask the axis
My red is so confident, he flashes trophies of war
And ribbons of euphoria
Orange is young, full of daring
But it, it’s very unsteady for the first go round
My yellow in this case is not so mellow
In fact I’m trying to say it’s frightened like me And all these emotions of mine keep holding me from
Giving my life to a rainbow like you
But I’m, I’m bold, I’m bold as love, yeah
I’m bold, I’m bold as love, love, love
I’m bold, I’m bold as love
Just ask the axis
He knows, he knows, he knows
He knows everything
I’m, I’m bold, I’m bold as love, yeah
I’m bold, I’m bold as love, ohh
Been talkin’ to ya
I’m bold, I’m bold as love, yeah.
P.S. Be sure to wait an extra second on New Year’s Eve before planting that first kiss. A leap second has been added to the clock by the U.S. Naval Observatory. This will be the 24th leap second added since 1972. Thanks U.S. Naval Observatory clock watchers.
“My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference.” -Jimmy Carter
Land of 10,000 Perspectives 