I am writing this at the beginning of 2023 when many people are speaking in less than positive terms about the future of our world, society, economy, human relations... you name it. In other words, this year could be very challenging.

But you never know.

How many times have we heard "x" and then "y" happens?

Is the situation beyond our control?

Are the things we do in life and the attitudes we hold deterministic?

Or is there, perhaps, a reason to be hopeful?

If we hone in on what society looks like (and sounds like) nowadays, or the state of human relations, what do we see? Or hear? Or experience?

I submit that there is very little listening; mostly a lot of shouting.

There is also fear and discouragement.

Our encouragers are being drowned out, or perhaps just ignored. But not by everyone. Some see the possibilities and refuse to be discouraged.

We Can Change Course

The idealist in me says, simply, we can turn things around for the better.

The optimist in me says that society's collective attitude doesn't need to become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Whether it's our economy, our culture, or world affairs, there are many variables at play, some of which are more subject to influence than others.

Societal factors tend to follow trend lines and don't always change quickly.

Political factors are often volatile or deep-seated.

Economic factors can be local or global, fast-acting or slow-moving.

The key is choosing not to merely be an observer and instead getting engaged in whatever ways we can. 

In other words, not "que será, será" but rather "carpe diem."

And to the extent that each of us can exert positive influence - by how we vote, engage in the economy, support our families, and impact our communities - may we do so in the hope that others are like-minded. Then, just perhaps, it will add up to a positive course correction.

We Can Be Content

St. Paul wrote that he learned to be content in all things, in any and every situation. Wow, really? How is that even possible?

Perhaps you have heard about the difference between happiness and joy.

Happiness is often based on circumstances.

But joy - true joy - is not.

Yes, the dictionary will say that joy and happiness are synonyms. But I've learned that joy is something else, something deeper. It's a deep-seated contentment that is hard to shake. It's kind of like having a "true North" that helps you better understand who you are, why you are here, and how you can be a positive influence in all your stations in life.

Someone once told me about making an "advanced decision", that we could and ought to be as prepared as possible for whatever life may throw at us. So that when a time of difficulty or trial comes, we are ready at least to some extent, and avoid being "stunned" into a period of delay or inaction which may exacerbate the situation.

Now, we cannot truly be "ready" for anything and everything (insert your worst fear or the most negative experience you can envision). But we can learn how to shift our focus, our mindset, as well as our expectations.

Maybe we use what we have - our beliefs, our intellect, our passions, our aspirations, our loved ones - and shift our focus from what might be to what may be possible. And then take a few steps toward that possibility.

Maybe we simply take things day by day. 

And be content.

We Can Choose to be Encouraged

We cannot always control our circumstances or outcomes, but there are always pockets of opportunity and success. 

Yet I would submit that we should not fall into a trap regarding "success"... what it must look like. Success can be measured in so many different ways, and each person has their own viewpoint on what success looks like.

For some, it may be reaching a personal milestone or overcoming an obstacle.

Or, it may be realizing a measure of relational, vocational, or financial prosperity.

For some, it may simply be having another day to breathe.

Or, a few moments without worry or pain.

Perhaps we need to focus on the things we can do, the influence we can exert, and be open to encouragement from others who wish to give it. Then we can appreciate the support we have been given, the strides we have made, the wisdom we have gained, and the love we have experienced.

We Can Choose to Encourage

Changing course is possible.

Contentment reflects joy despite circumstances.

And encouragement is contagious.

A challenging thought I heard a while back is... "It's not about me."

I thought I'm supposed to love myself, be proud of my accomplishments, plan for my future, etc. After all, I can only live my own life.

But then I realized it's one of the best things I have ever learned.

It's about shifting my focus away from myself. And believe me, this is not easy for me. Yet even though something may not be easy, it can be worth it.

I'm sure we can all attest to times we thought or acted selflessly, even sacrificed our wants and hopes, to make a positive difference in someone else's life. And not necessarily to make us feel better about ourselves but simply to be a source of assistance or encouragement to another person, perhaps someone we didn't even know.

Plus, you'll be amazed by how a bunch of local, seemingly insignificant acts of kindness, charity, and positive influence can accumulate as word spreads and act begets act.

 

We are faced with choices every day.

Each choice takes us down a path.

What we choose often impacts others.

What we choose always impacts us.

There is at least one person who chose to encourage each of us.

May we choose to encourage others.

No matter the times or the circumstances.