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| The path you take in 2022 is largely up to you. (click to enlarge) |
As we start this new year, there are certainly challenges ahead, but also there are unlimited opportunities before us. Whether or not you take advantage of them is largely your choice. Where will your path lead you?
From the time we wake up in the morning to the time we return to sleep, everything about our day becomes a choice we have the power to make. You can choose to try your best to feel good, meet the day head on or you can choose lamenting the fact that you didn't get to sleep as long as you may have liked and be grumpy about it. You can choose to look for the best in each day. You can choose to look for the best in everyone you meet. You can choose to isolate and avoid. It's your choice as to whether your world is half full or half empty.
Even when everything is seemingly going against you, you have choices. You can choose to be thankful for what you have or choose to be angry over something that didn't go your way. I choose to think that as bad as things may seem, they could always be worse.
You can choose to engage in activities that brighten your day such as going out to find interesting photographic compositions or you can choose to sit in front of a television set all day. You can choose to create or only consume.
When it comes to photography, how many times did you tell yourself that you wanted to, for example, get up before dawn and make that one terrific photograph. When the alarm rings, you roll over telling yourself that you will do it next time. Choices. You get to choose to get up and make that special photograph which may lead to other opportunities, inspiration or even making a new friend or you can choose to forego the opportunity and sleep a little longer. Choices.
Even when you don't think you have a choice, you probably do. It may not seem like it but the choice may be as simple as a smile or a frown. A kind word or no words at all.
As in the photograph above, your path through this next year is winding, curved, unpredictable and, beyond the trees, unknown. How you travel that path is up to you. Your choice.
I choose to be thankful when I awake each morning. I choose to be grateful for the new day. I choose to be an optimist. I choose to laugh every day and look for the good in every situation. Even when it seems life is slapping me in the face, I choose to think I have it better than many, many others.
I choose to be kind and considerate. I choose to be creative through my photography and writing. I choose to be kind. I choose to be generous. I choose not to worry over things I cannot control. Also, I choose to do everything I can to protect my family and myself. Significantly, I chose to make a difference in other peoples' lives through my profession.
I choose to smile as often as possible. I choose to laugh every day—and I do, may times!
With all of the negative things going on in the world such as Covid-19, political hatred, divisiveness, the rise in crime, etc., I would encourage you to choose to kindness, positivity, understanding, helpfulness, creativity, sincere listening, humbleness and optimism. Seize every one of those and make the most of your life. Don't waste a day.
I hope each of you find unlimited opportunities coming your way during 2022. You have to make your own luck. No one can do it for you.
Happy New Year...and choose wisely grasshopper.
Thanks for looking. Enjoy!
Dennis A. Mook
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Best of luck to you in 2022 Dennis in all that you do.
ReplyDeleteIs that the same winding path you shot in the fall, and hoped to make a seasonal series?
Jim, thank you. It is. Battling Omicron today on my 70th birthday. I’ve behaved and literally stayed home for the past 4 weeks. That said, one of my granddaughters had symptoms the day before Christmas and didn’t think to mention to anyone she was not feeling well. The next day, we had everyone over for Christmas dinner and four others in the family have subsequently contracted it. So far, no worries. It is like having a cold with a cough, minor sore throat, feeling as though I’ve been dragged down the street as well a a few chills now and then. No fever. Feeling a bit better today. Long term, I hope Omicron increases my immunity to future and past variants. I have had two Moderna vaccinations and the Moderna booster and still got a mild case. Just think how bad it could have been if I had chosen to not be vaccinated.
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