New Year's Resolution
The beginning of the new year is a time to assess accomplishments that you made during the past year and the failures. It is human nature to look back at those things that didn't go the way we planned. During the past year, our country spiraled into an economic free fall. The economic downturn has lead to people losing their homes, retirement and jobs. Like so many Americans, I have watched my retirement savings shrink and worry about survival in my golden years. I find myself watching the news for any sign that things are getting better but there is bad news daily. With some many losses it is difficult to be optimistic that our country will once again get back on track.
As I look back over the last year, I decided not to dwell over the events that I cannot change. I can look to the New Year as a reason to celebrate life. When I think about all the things that I have to be grateful for, it makes me feel better. My family is healthy and my husband and I have jobs that help to support our family. We have access to excellent health care and our children are able to attend good schools that will hopefully prepare them for college. These are luxuries that many Americans do not have. I never used to worry about being employed or having health insurance. These days I am constantly reminded that all of these things we take for granted can be taken away.
The great thing about the New Year is that it is a new beginning for our country and a new beginning for me to focus my energy on becoming a better person.