2018 > 2017?

Overall, 2017 was a good year for me. I bought a new car, accepted a better position at my job, was able to stop working two jobs, and my second grandbaby was born.  I listed these items in chronological order, not in order of importance. 

Not everything about 2017 was great. Some loved ones left this world. Friends found out they were losing their jobs. People continue to let their political agendas affect their outlook on life and some friendships. 

We always seem to welcome a new year with a sense of hope. This year will be better than the last. Inevitably, I hear more people at the end of the year claim they cannot wait for this year to be over. 

Do people go through an entire year without any good happening to them? Are we so anxious as to grow old? I prefer to look at the good I have experienced and await even better things happening this year.

I, like most, look forward to the new year with hope. 

I recall growing up with certain New Year’s traditions. People would come over to watch college football all day long. We would eat corn beef, cabbage, and black-eyed peas. Black eye peas were to bring you luck. Cabbage would make you richer. I hate those two foods and still do. Fortunately, my wife does not like them either and we do not continue those traditions in my home. 

I am not sure how black-eye peas bring luck. I do not care. I believe that we make our luck. We think, prepare, work, and adjust to certain circumstances. These things bring “good luck.” Cabbage never made me rich growing up. It just gave me gas. I have become rich without eating cabbage. No, my bank accounts are screaming that they are too full. However, I am rich with great family and friends. I am rich with a spectacular wife. (I married up.) I am rich with the ability to enjoy life. I am rich in experience.  Money does not make one rich. Your perception of life does. 

I also quit making New Year’s resolutions decades ago. People resolve to eat healthier, get more sleep, and exercise more. What usually happens is we lose the same 40 pounds we lose every year only to gain it back before the end of the year. However, I give props to those who make resolutions and keep them going to improve their lives. 

Maybe we should start new resolutions such as trying to understand other viewpoints, not getting mad when people disagree with us, and looking for solutions to problems rather than sulking over them.

I do not know if 2018 will be greater than 2017, but I hope it is for everyone. If you are a person who reviews the past, I hope you see the good that happened.