Out with the Old, In with the New
As many of us said goodbye to 2008, we welcomed the New Year all of the wonderful possibilities that it may bring. Several of us were anxious to say goodbye to our previous presidential administration and watch history unfold as we welcome our nation’s first black president and his family to the White House. Most of us have also made New Year’s resolutions as we attempt to say goodbye to bad habits and unfruitful practices and usher in new ways of thinking. Although change is often needed and more so inevitable, I caution each of us as we say goodbye to things of old.
Why is it that so many of our resolutions have died just as quickly as they were born? Could it be that we did not take the time to evaluate what worked and what didn’t work in our previous situation or circumstance? For new things and ideas to prosper in our lives, we must examine the old and take heed to valuable lessons learned before we usher in the new. Before we hastily say goodbye to the old, we must look closely at its successes and its failures so that we may decide what to usher out of our lives as “old” and usher into our lives as “new.”
Yes, I made a few New Year’s resolutions in the past that failed within the first few days of January. This year is different! I have decided to make New Life’s resolutions rather than New Year’s Resolutions. My New Life’s resolutions are based on attainable goals that have been carefully planned based on a close examination of things of old. There are habits that I am eager to say goodbye to and positive habits and practices that I am eager to adopt. I believe that my upcoming success and failures are based on history…my history…and the lessons taught and learned.
I am excited about 2009 and the history that it will bring as I pray that it will mark the beginning of the best years of my life. Within this New Year, I have been fortunate enough to witness history, celebrate another year of life, share laughter and love with my family and friends and to do so in good health. I challenge each of you to grasp the excitement and hope that you had during that “3, 2, 1, Happy New Year!” moment. I challenge you to look closely at whatever your “old” may be and take something valuable from it before you place aside. I also challenge you to take a good look at your “new” to determine its validity, attainability and the impact that it will have on your life and those around you.
I encourage you to examine your past but do not dwell on it. As you get rid of your “old” and usher in your “new,” be sure to prevent the negative aspects of your personal history from repeating themselves. Instead of the usual New Year’s resolutions that so often fail, I challenge you to review your life, your goals and your dreams and to adopt a new way of living… a New Life’s resolution…so that your “new” may be fruitful and prosperous.
Nakia Washington
Assistant Director
Tags: 2009, New Year, Resolutions