Happy New Year

There is no better time than now.  No better time to think about past actions or reactions, accomplishments, mistakes, regrets.  No better time to think about school, grades, sports, friends, family, parents, boyfriends and girlfriends.  No better time to think about what will be done differently this year.  How will you be a different, better person?  Last year is now gone.  It's time to seriously consider a new start, a new beginning.  It could be the start or beginning of something big or something small.  Something that may impact only you or something that may impact many others.  Something that you probably have been giving thought to for a considerable amount of time.  In short, it's time to stop doing the same things the same ways and expecting bigger, greater results.  Be different.  Do different.

New Year's resolutions.  I think all people at least THINK about them and young people and teens are no different.  They huddle together with friends, talking on the phone, hanging out, texting each other about what they "pledge" to do in the new year, what they hope to obtain, like a new wardrobe or what they hope to change, like a new boyfriend or girlfriend.  I often wonder if they think about changing a circumstance or the plight of someone's life.  The answers I receive are always inspiring.  Helping a friend find a place to live, raise money for the light bill, food bill or mortgage/rent.  Helping a friend get over a break-up, the loss of a friendship or some other tragic event or circumstance, such as divorce.  Spending time with a friend who is having a hard time with life's challenges and the sometimes stressful times of a teen.

I ask teens this question:  What will you do differently this year?  Don't answer right away.  Think about it.  Think about what feels right to you.  Think about something that will help you to be a better individual.  Will it be to study more?  Will it be to take school more seriously?  Will it be to read more and learn more?  Will it be to be a better friend?  Will it be to listen more to your parents and share more with your parents?  Will it be to spend more time with family?  Will it be to abandon envy, jealousy, disrespect, sadness, intolerance, anger, rage, violence and embrace peace, forgiveness, happiness, understanding, honesty, respect and loyalty?  Whatever you decide, may it be something that will build upon your foundation.  Your foundation of life, that piece of you that builds character and leaves a legacy for others to follow.  Whatever you decide, may it bring joy to you and others, remembering that it's better to give than to receive.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!!