BE IT RESOLVED
Here it comes ready or not. A New Year is upon us. Some among us will be compelled to make New Year’s resolutions, those hasty decisions that we make when, upon looking at our life, we decide that change is in order. If you find yourself in that condition might I offer a few suggestions?
Be it resolved that in the year ahead that each day will find you thankful for those things that you have. Yes, a new fly rod, the latest breathable waders, and that state of the art drift boat would be nice, but your old stuff will serve you for another year.
Be it resolved that you will take time to enjoy every opportunity that you have to spend time with family and friends. At the beginning of next year these will be the things that you remember most.
Be it resolved that you will not take yourself or what you do too seriously. Take pride in what you do, but don’t use your pride to vaunt yourself over others. Learn to laugh at yourself.
Be it resolved that you will value the special people in your life, and that you will let them know how special they are whenever you have a chance. Once they are gone it is too late to let them know.
Be it resolved that you will smile more and frown less. Say thank you more often, and I love you to those closest to your heart.
Be it resolved that you will adopt an attitude of gratitude.
Be it resolved that you will overlook the shortcomings of others.
Be it resolved that you take time to develop a sense of wonder.
Be it resolved that you will find reason to hope.
Be it resolved that you will be less critical of others, and that you will keep unsolicited comments to yourself.
Be it resolved that you will come to understand that you are not God’s gift to this planet.
Be it resolved that you will recognize that the ability to cast with a tight loop, make a 100+ foot double haul, and land a trophy fish are admirable abilities, but they do not make you superior to others. In comparison to the abilities of a host of other people these are minor skills.
And finally, be it resolved that you will not sweat the small stuff. At the end of the day if you have someone that loves you, and friends that support you, everything else is small stuff.
May 2010 truly be a New Year. May you be blessed with health, enough resources to provide for those that depend upon you, and a settled peace that comes from a life well lived. May you be at peace with yourself, at peace with your God, and at peace with your fellow men.