New Year 2024

Argh! the conclusion of another year…. Some will lament its passing others will be happy it has come to an end.  Either way I think the majority of us would be willing to agree that it all went too fast as Tempus Fugit is alive and well —- unless you are a 5-year-old.  For them everything moves too slowly.  Listening to and reading the lists of “Best Of “seems an exercise in futility as we are looking in the rear-view mirror as all of these lists grow in irrelevancy as soon as they are exposed to the public light.  In addition to the “Best Of” we are exposed to the predictions for 2024. 

Given the state of world affairs –

War everywhere – Ukraine, Israel – Gaza – Yemen – Haiti – Iran – Democratic Republic of the Congo – Ethiopia – Libya – Myanmar – Turkey – Syria – Somali, etc.                              The state of the most powerful nation on earth – that would be us.  A dysfunctional non governing House of Representatives that forgot they were elected to actually find compromise and move the country in a positive way

The climate is punishing large groups of people with rain, heat, drought, rising seas and all matter of weather-related crisis

Massive migration as people try to escape the terrible circumstances that have been forced upon them through the selfishness and cruelty of others

So it is that most of the prognostications for the events of 2024 are not particularly good.  My hope is that being a positive contrarian these predictions will fall flat and proven wrong.  So given this somewhat “Polly-Anna” view of the predictions of others, I offer the following:

Suggestions for 2024:

1.     Try a little kindness

2.     Remember there was a time when once you did love him – her – them - it

3.     Rather than blocking someone – reach out and talk to them

4.     Talk more text less

5.     The people you follow are more than their Instagram account – find out what they have to offer

6.     Spandex, Latex, and Lycra are not natural fibers and neither are the people inside

7.   Discover your empathetic side – you will be surprised where that leads you

8.     Remember you are fortunate to be where you are ---- you don’t deserve to be there any more that those less fortunate deserve to be where they are. Maybe you can help

9.     Try something new --- Isn’t your comfort zone getting too comfortable.

10.   Forge ahead with your goal. It is worth a little extra effort.

Happy New Year