The first step toward getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are – Unknown
You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them, encouraging, courage, consistency, and embracing change for a better future. – Michael Jordan, American businessman and retired basketball player (1963- )
The next two days will go by quickly. Tomorrow will be New Year’s Eve, bringing in an entirely new year full of who knows what? Our Christmas was nice and quiet, and I hope your Christmas was a good one as well. The day after Christmas we drove north to spend a brief bit of time with a lovely family member who now lives far away.
With other absent members we communicated by phone along with “Facetime pictures.” It’s a whole new world. There are times when this new technology makes me insane and other times when I’m so grateful to see family and friends from that small gadget I hold in my hand. Do you remember the TV movie “Get Smart”? The character Maxwell Smart was a “bumbling” spy working for “Control.” The series ran from 1965-1970. The funny part at the time was Maxwell Smart’s “shoe phone.” A phone was in the shoe as a parody of the spy gadgets portrayed by James Bond. All that to say what before was ridiculous is now used in everyday culture.
So, what will the new year bring? I used my phone to look up a few New Year’s resolutions. Here’s a few, some new and some old. Take care of your health and wellness, sleep better, eat healthier, lose weight if need be. Quit smoking or drinking, it’s not good for you, in fact it’s harming your body. Maybe create a financial goal, like saving money, preparing a budget, paying off any debt. Learn some new things you think you might enjoy. There are a million different things you may like to try before it’s too late. You don’t have to run a marathon, just run the neighborhood or the soccer field. If running doesn’t sound enjoyable, try fast walking. Spend time with family, reduce your screen time and read books or Kindles more. AI suggests aiming for a healthier lifestyle and better life balance, tackling both physical and mental well-being.
I do confess during the holidays of Thanksgiving and then Christmas I definitely was not eating a “healthier lifestyle.” There were too many goodies placed in front of me. Also, though I work out at the YMCA, days got busier and exercise fell off of the list of “to-dos.” Neighbors and friends gifted us with a plethora of delicious sweets and baked goods that I could not resist.
So, if you are so inclined and desire to have a healthy life, let’s try our best to exercise more, even if it’s only walking down to the mailbox or around the neighborhood. Choose better treats like apples, oranges, bananas and other fruits. It’s your choice. 2025 is in the rearview mirror while 2026 is waiting for us. Happy New Year.
Shannon Bardwell is a writer living quietly in the Prairie. Email reaches her at [email protected].
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You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 46 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
