The New Year always brings reflection and inspiration for the future. Some make resolutions, some eschew them. Most seniors look to make small tweaks that can bring increased joy and happiness.
We’re not looking for the thrill of jumping off a cliff and landing safely beyond all odds. We’re looking for the twirling teacups ride at Disneyland or the bunny hill in our cross country skiing ventures (yes, these are my attempt at metaphors … lol). In spite of our best efforts, our plans for joy and happiness can’t be set in stone. We live in a tumultuous world after all.
The only thing for sure that you have any control over is yourself. If you feel a strong desire to resolve something, here are three possible resolutions: 1) slow down, 2) eliminate toxic people from your life, and 3) don’t be one of those toxic people; mind your words and actions.
How happy you are and how much satisfaction you gain in life is not dependent on world events or who is in office or how some people can behave horribly. Your happiness doesn’t disappear because the kids went elsewhere for the holidays or because your spouse ignores you.
Your happiness depends on you. Just you.
All the bitching and complaining won’t help. Plus, it’s sad to let negativity define your life. All we have is to do what we can and let the rest go.
My new mantra in the new year will be to focus on abundance, on the good in the world and to be grateful for all that I have. This is not Pollyanna; this is the new order.
Regardless of events beyond our control, there still is a ton of joy in the world – in our world. It’s up to us to locate it and incorporate it into the way we spend whatever time we have remaining.
Now more than ever elder citizens need to look for happiness and joy and life satisfaction within ourselves. And we do that by not wasting time on the negative. Walk away from negative, unproductive conversations. Walk away from toxic people who love the drama of the negative. When dark days enfold us, when we continue to make mistakes or when a loved one is ill, it takes more effort to locate the good, the uplifting, the positive, but it’s there and it’s worth it.
How will you define youself and your life in 2023?
It’s your choice.
Excellent advice as we embark on a new year. Happy 2023, Antonia!
Thank you, Mary. It thrills me that you continue to read this blog.
Happy New Year to you as well!
WoooHoo! Again you nailed it, Antonia.
I awoke at 5 am this morning with a burning desire to quickly record my dream before the details disapated, It was quite a dream. LOL! However, it released a flood of emotions, memories, and the realization that I needed to change the negative. Three hours and 10 pages later I am reading your blog and chuckling because your blog and my new revelations are on the same track.. Love you and your blog, thank you.
See you in the New Year!
Serendipitous, Fran, that your dream blended so well with today’s blog. You and I both know there are no coincidences.
Happy New Year, sis.
Oh yes, my friend, it absolutely IS our choice whether to focus on the negative or the positive. I often forget that. I loved everything you said, but the last paragraph really touched and INSPIRED me. My goal…no, my “new order” is to not waste time on the negative and to walk away (while walking toward finding the good, the joy, the “abundance” that is in our lives). Here’s to a peaceful, fulfilling, joyful 2023 for us all.
Thanks for your words, Laurie. It’s so easy for me to get sucked into the negative. I’ll have to slow down and pay attention. After all, I’ve got years of experience with retorts and quips and funny come-backs to the negative. Shifting the paradigm will take some focus and effort. But we’re all in!