This time of year tends to be a time of gathering with family, appreciating the blessings of life, and reflecting on the past year while looking forward to the coming one.
I always dedicate a significant amount of time to personal reflection and goal setting at the close of the year, but this year hits even harder than most. My big sister passed away last month, and I lost my brother just last weekend. Nothing reminds you of your increasing age quite like losing those you grew up with.
At times, old age can be quite discouraging. There’s the breaking down of physical health, often accompanied by chronic pain and discomfort. There’s the decline of mental acuity, with the frustration and embarrassment that comes with it. There’s the inevitable change and slowing down of daily routine and activity, as your ability to work as you once did slowly fades. And there’s the ever-present grief of loss—loss of loved ones and loss of the life you once led.
If I’m not careful, I could very quickly find myself sinking into a pit of despair, sorrow, and self-pity. I might start dwelling on all that once was and is no longer, and mourn the sharp young man and visionary, energetic leader I used to be.
But when I am tempted toward sorrow, I intentionally choose joy instead. I remind myself of everything I have gained with the passing years:
- Incredible experiences and memories that I revisit in my mind over and over.
- Enduring, hard-earned knowledge, skills, and the wisdom that comes with age.
- A beautiful, growing family, as the next generations—my grown children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews—mature and increase their own families.
- Wonderful, loyal, caring friends and colleagues who I have known for years and years, sharing in their lives as they share in mine.
- The satisfaction of looking back on a well-lived and much-enjoyed life, where I not only did well for myself, but strove to always do well by and for others.
- The opportunity now in my golden years to leverage my experience and insight in various ways to uplift, encourage, teach, and help others.
Reflecting on and investing in each of these areas brings me great joy. Instead of seeing my dwindling time on this earth with a “glass half empty” perspective, I choose joy. I have always been, and will continue to be, a “glass half full” kind of guy!
How about you? Do you want to improve the quality, performance and results in every area of your life? (Yes, every area). No matter your circumstances, you can choose to see the glass as “half full,” not “half empty!” I challenge you: create and sustain the habit of intentionally bringing more joy into your daily life!
You will be AMAZED and DELIGHTED! Try it! What do you have to lose? Far more important, what do you have to gain?
