Another New Years comes and goes. I personally was sound asleep when the clock struck midnight, and I own that. Social media is canvassed this morning with comments about what a challenge 2018 was and many most likely quickly to be forgotten resolutions for 2019.

Every year on this earth gets harder. Age alone brings more and more challenges each day, along with its own degree of stress and anxiousness, but you can’t forget the fact that you’re still here. You have to find ways to deal with bad and find the good. Easier said than done, I know.

2019, like any year, welcomes new life and takes from the existing. Moods can change with the expression of a single word. Friendships can grow, go stagnant, or simply fade into the sunset. Our personal beliefs can be tested. Our lives can change forever in a single instant. We will make some happy and disappoint others. We’ll have our moments good and bad. There’s no way around it.

In 2018, I saw a little bit of everything. From the heartbreak of someone losing a loved one, to a couple exchanging vows. From someone losing a job to finding a career. I saw someone decide to keep only what meant something to them and move to start a new adventure. I saw people get devastating news and watched them deal with it beautifully. I saw my Dad age and continue his battle with Parkinson’s. I also saw his bravery. I saw new meaning in the phrase ‘shut up and listen’. God really does speak to you when you need it most. You just have to quit talking.

For 2019, I’m avoiding the cliches and resolutions. I used to make lists of what I wanted to accomplish which often lead to more stress to complete said items, or feeling the frustration when things didn’t work out. Not this time. For 2019, I’m basing everything off something a friend from grade school posted this morning. I’m not sure why it hit me, but it did.

Maybe you’ll have the same reaction I did. Maybe you’ll take it a whole new direction. Life can’t be about worry. Life can’t be about what might happen. Life is about living. Doing what’s right and doing it often. Acting on instead of wishing. Life is about finding the good in situations and not going to the dark ‘what if’ place many of us end up.

So 2019, instead of setting the standard goals, I think I’ll just do my best to go into the next 365 days just trying to step back and consider the situation instead of making judgements. I’ll bite my tongue instead of making unnecessary comments. I’ll be direct. I’ll be more loving and caring. I’ll celebrate others’ blessings instead of asking ‘why not me?’ I’ll live my life like the grateful, post-wish George Bailey. Some of you will understand that. Some won’t. Watch the movie. I just know I want to enjoy this day, this hour, this minute, and all the time still ahead of me. I hope the same for you.

Happy new year.