What’s Most Important?
This time of year, we are bombarded with lists and the annual pressure of creating resolutions that are often forgotten by the end of January. Despite our optimism when 2022 began, it proved to be another challenging year complete with a polarizing political climate, a war in Ukraine, changes in the economy, the ongoing fight against what is starting to feel like endless viruses, and the death of Sesame Street’s Bob McGrath, who lent his voice and kindness to the show for over 50 years.
Even given this list of challenges (which is not all encompassing), there were stories of resilience. A former comedian and actor stepped up in his role as president for the country he loved. A high school student with high expectations ignored the advice of her guidance counselor to set her sights lower when she applied to Harvard University and eventually became the first Black woman appointed to the Supreme Court. After overcoming a devastating loss to Saudi Arabia, a talented soccer player knew that he had more to give and led Argentina to a World Cup victory over France.
While these events played out on a world stage, most of us faced our own less publicized triumphs and tragedies behind closed doors. We can’t know everyone’s stories or specific struggles; we can only really know our own. But as people, we can all relate to that uniquely human experience that is a mixture of struggle, failure, triumph, and survival. We live in an unpredictable world that can seemingly change overnight. We make mistakes that can alter our life trajectory in an instant. From our view on the sidelines, it can be easy to pass judgment or tell someone what they should have done better. Don’t do that; it’s not your job.
Instead of reaching for a pen and paper to write down resolutions to fix yourself and everyone else, consider beginning 2023 with a period of reflection, compassion, and healing. A time to look back on all we have been through and to be proud of how far we’ve come. A time to accept our imperfections and learn the lessons from our mistakes. A time to say goodbye to people or behaviors that cause more harm than good and look ahead with optimism to the people and opportunities about to enter our life. A time to know that sometimes one year ending brings renewed hope for the chance to be better in the next, to reprioritize our goals, and to be grateful for the loved ones and friends who support you at your worst and celebrate you at your best.
A new year gives us a chance to ask ourselves: what’s most important? Do we want to be “right” or do we want to grow?
EduCred Services wishes you and yours a Happy New Year full of hope and new beginnings.
