Here we are speeding into the new year as fast as if we were on the freeway. As we pick up speed and send last year’s events to the back of our memory, we might just want to pull to the side of the road for a moment and look in our rearview mirror.
The year 2023 was pretty grim at times, but the bright spots were radiant with hope. In articles from CBS News and other sources, we find that last year, violent crime rates were down. The hole in the ozone layer was shrinking. The World Health Organization approved a new and affordable malaria vaccine. It was the first time California was drought-free in years. England approved a drug shown to prevent breast cancer, and Buzz Aldrin, the second man to set foot on the Moon, got married on his 93rd birthday.
Bad news grabs the headlines, but good news happens everywhere, all the time. It makes a difference where we focus our attention and what we spotlight in our conversations.
We all have contradictions within us, and different directions we can take. We always have a choice of what we think. No one thinks inside our head but us.
Looking in the rearview mirror in our cars is necessary to avoid the barriers that are behind us, but only when we are backing up. Looking ahead is necessary to avoid potholes and other impediments for a smooth journey forward.
We can sort through the constant bits of information being offered and grab hold of those that lighten our heart. No matter where we are, we have the ability to shift our gaze toward that which is beautiful, interesting or inspiring while keeping ourselves headed in the right direction.
We all thrive on encouragement and respect. These attitudes assist us to move outside our comfort zones, make U-turns and see opportunities rather than obstacles when our way is not smooth.
Carl Sandburg said, “There is an eagle in me that wants to soar, and there is a hippopotamus in me that wants to wallow in the mud.”
Understanding and accepting these two inner inclinations of thought places us at conscious choice. We can decide which voice will empower us to go in the direction we want.
Let’s go full speed into this new year. Happy traveling.
The Rev. Linda McNamar is a Laguna Woods Village resident.
