A few years ago, I was out with one of the kids and was asked what my New Year's resolutions were. Years before that, and up until the present, I have entered the new year with the same intention. I explained this to my son.
I simply want to be the best that I can be. The best dad, husband, son, friend...whatever my role is. I want to give one hundred percent of myself back to the life that has given me so much. I told him, as hard as it is, I look inside and see what changes I can make to improve myself. I don't try to please everyone, that will never happen. No matter what, someone will always be pissed off at me, and that's OK. I just want to be the best that I can.
Life is not easy. It is forever throwing obstacles at us and pulling the rug from under our feet. It's how you manage the obstacles that makes you who you are. When you get knocked down you have two choices. roll over and stay down, or get back up and continue the fight. I have watched so many people get up and continue the fight. The best part is, there are so many willing to help you back on your feet.
I see a man like Randy Pierce, who lost his vision in his early twenties. Randy and his guide dog, the Mighty Quinn are actively hiking all of the four-thousand foot mountains in New Hampshire, all forty-eight of them. How can you not give it your all when you follow a story like that?
So maybe I do want to lose a few pounds, or get back to the gym - if I can remember how to get there. But really, I just want aim high, and hope for the best.
Happy New Year to you all!