BADDA BOOM! by Frances Kennedy franceskennedy782@gmail com
Whether we thrived or survived through the High Holiday season, January is a return to ordinary times and as such is an unequivocal equalizer. The advent of a new year is typically treated as an aus-
picious fresh start. Unfortunately, the haste to make ‘New Year Resolutions’ with all our best intentions separates those headed for the despondence of derailment from the scent of success in a matter of weeks. My experience and observations of adherence to resolutions regarding personal development aren’t favourable, and the health club attendance drop-off rate in February is an annual case in point. I confess to having professed this a year ago: I believe New Year’s Resolutions only contribute to the malaise of failed aspirations. When I learned of an approach by a mentor, Chris Brogan, called ‘My Three Words’ an approach that serves as a guide for the year, I felt challenged without a fear of failure. Here’s how it works: choose three words you aspire to become. They act as your guides for the year; a way of governing your mindset and so, your actions. The idea is to let go of those three words and choose new ones at year’s end. That is where the genius lies; the loose ends of one year threaded into the next year provide a strategy for recognizing a milestone but not a deadline. In my case, I put a finer point on ‘grace’ and redefined it as ‘forgiveness’ because that’s more actionable. I continue to pursue ‘vitality’ but now, more specifically, it’s become ‘physically fit’ and ‘inner peace’ has been rewritten as ‘daily meditation.’ Chris Brogan likens this method to restoring a building. My Three Words are temporary scaffolding; in the New Year, you begin again towards your destination from a different angle with three new words. I liken it to using a travel app like Waze. You start the trip with your destination in mind, but invariably, some variances that differ from the assigned route occur along the way. That’s when Waze kicks in to accommodate, for example, road construction; it recalibrates to accommodate all that; it keeps you on track to reach your destination despite whatever your whims and the obstructions. It’s like pressing the restart button to begin again but continue. However, here’s what I’ve learned that’s more likely to support achieving your goals -- check in on yourself annually to ensure they are truly consistent with who you want to become. Personal development is hard work and it won’t happen if you don’t mean it. My great late father used to say January was the longest month of the year followed by the shortest one. Why not bundle them so your first milestone allows you time to adjust? It fits our publication schedule for the next issue in March just on the cusp of Spring! Happy New Year and cheers to becoming a new improved you! As Albert Einstein once opined: When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change. Badda Bing!
Now under new ownership st.thomas@mollymaid.ca
Looking for a New Shed this Winter?
Let us make the Custom Made, Locally Built Shed Your Back Yard Deserves! Hand Crafted – Custom Built Mini Barns • Work Sheds • Play Houses Pool Change Rooms
Since 1974 10055 Carter Rd.
Trust the professionals for all your moving needs! REEMAN THE MOVER LTD.
St. Thomas
• Local & Long Distance Moving • Commercial & Residential Moves • Senior Citizen & Student Discounts • Packing & Crating Service • Moving Supplies • Storage Facilities • Heavy Moving Specialist (pianos, safes, etc.)
Free Estimates 519-631-7346
COMPASSION • WORKMANSHIP • GUARANTEED QUALITY ELGIN Monuments
• Engrave on natural stones • Offer pet memorial stones • Restore older monuments • Order vases and urns 519.633.1591 www.elginmonuments.com Visit our show room at 220 Edward St., St. Thomas
To advertise here contact Geoff@villagerpublications.com
Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • Jan-Feb 2025 Page 15
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs