Now that we've arrived at the "Roaring 20s", in a play on words (or numbers), many clubs and organizations are going to roll out their 2020 visions. I can see it now - their lofty goals, unbelievable dreams, and glittery language. Most have heard, however, that it is actually hindsight that is 20/20. Yes, looking back at history is where we can be more assured of truth, whereas looking forward is fraught with uncertainty. That said, I can say with certainty, that some things will occur during the coming year: |
I will keep trying new things. Yes, I still want to acquire new knowledge for myself and apply it to develop wisdom, and yes, I do want to experience events and places I haven't yet experienced, but to even try new things in daily life my be something of a joy, as well. Whether that means trying new foods, performing different tasks, or meeting new people, I hope to boldly seek out and discover new adventures.
I will fall down. This may seem like making mistakes all over again, but it isn't. This one is less by choice. Falling down means that things will happen to me that are unexpected and undesired. I'll be tested here in how I react to tragedy and bad news. Hopefully I can bounce back from hurtful things in my life with respect. Hopefully my reaction to obstacles in my path is a positive example to those around me.
I will lose my temper. One reaction we probably all struggle with is that of losing our temper. We are quick to anger and quick to speak when we should instead remain calm. For me, I tend to hold back until a point of eruption and then let it all out at once. I know it will happen, but that doesn't mean it's something I just accept as reality and continue to willingly do. We should all work on our tempers.
I will cry. One way to react is to cry, and I will cry. There will be moments of laughter and smiling, this year, but I must be ready and admit that tears will also fall. I know from experience that I cry with empathy as well as cathartic times. I will cry during movies and reading books. I will cry with memories of the past as well as with the possibilities of the future. I will cry.
I will forget. Perhaps forgetting is the wrong word to use here. I may actually remember events, but what I mean here is that holding grudges and regretting events in my life are not positive. I need to learn to forgive others and find a more positive way to spend my thoughts. I need to push negative thoughts aside and not allow them to dominate my life.
I suppose these things are normal for most people, perhaps even for everyone, but I wanted to think a bit about them during the opening days of the Roaring 20s, because bringing them to conscious thought will help me confront them more directly and efficiently.
One last thought is that I will do each of these items in view of other people, and I need to be all right with that. There is no shame in letting people see my faults as long as my reaction in every case is one of humility and sincerity. It is a personal duty to show others my imperfections and let them in on the roads to recovery. Perhaps in doing so, others (including my students) can also find positive roads to dusting themselves off and finding a forward-facing road on which to walk.