New Year’s Resolutions – Again!

It feels to me like I was just making resolutions a few months ago. Has it really been 12 months? Yes, unbelievably it has. Another year has passed. The older I get the faster time trickles down through the hour-glass. Months now feel like weeks to me. The speed of time appears to be accelerating. Or maybe I’m just moving slower?

How many of us decide to make changes in our lives at the beginning of the New Year? It is true the athletic clubs and gyms are crowded during the first few months of the year, but statistics show that 67% of gym memberships are not used regularly throughout the year. Every January new diets are started. Self-promises are made to eat better, sleep more and drink less, and to just plain old ‘be better’.

But this year I’m going to try something different. And I invite you to join me in this endeavor. Instead of self- improvement I’m going to focus on improving my relationship with others. Why? Because I am constantly hearing this from our patients and families. No patient on his death bed has ever said to me, “Chaplain Brian, I have a confession to make – I wish I’d gone to the gym more.” But they do talk about wishing they had better relationships with their loved ones. Well this is one thing I don’t want to regret. Why? Because people are our legacy. Our true and most enduring legacy is how we got along with people, mentored people, and helped and invested in people. So this year I’m going to work on my relationships with those I love and know. And I invite you to do the same – Build your legacy with your family and friends.

So just how do I plan to do this you may ask?

1. I’m going to work on listening better to others as they speak (verbally and non-verbally).
2. I’m going to intentionally engage with them in their loves and hobbies.
3. I’m going to spend less time watching Netflix and YouTube videos about pets, so I have more time with my family.
4. I’m going to actively pray for these loved ones asking God to help me to be a better husband, father, and friend to them.
5. And I’m going to humble myself and apologize to them when I mess up (knowingly and unknowingly).
6. I know that in 12 months-time I won’t be on the December covers of the Mr. Universe or Weight Watchers’ Magazines. And that’s okay. But hopefully, by years end, I’ll have stronger relationships with my family and friends. And to me – and hopefully to them, that will feel very good, fulfilling, and rewarding. And this is a legacy (RESOLUTION) worth striving for – year after year!