January 1 is literally right around the corner, meaning that we are all about to hear various forms of the cliched phrase, "new year, new me." It's a bone-jarring phrase that makes everyone clench their teeth in exasperation as we recall our mother's favorite childhood phrase of, "if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all." I don't know about you, but I often do a terrible job of heeding her instruction.
Even though they exasperate us, the people posting their resolutions and phrases are on to something that the rest of us are missing. The start of a new year marks a new opportunity, a new day, for the world to be changed. I don't mean to chalk this piece full of cringe-worthy material, but it's true. It's seems as though people want nothing more than to make an impact in the world these days and the new year marks a perfect opportunity for it. In today's world, change is more important now than ever. We currently possess a broken world full of broken hearts, spirits, environments, and lives. While the goal is exceptionally noble, no one seems to know how to go about making a change. We set these resolutions, say we are going to do something different, and then die out before the change can be noted. I don't know much, but I know that that logic is exceptionally flawed.
Change doesn't happen in a day or a month. Often times, it doesn't happen in months or years. True impact is made with a lifetime of dedication to a cause, so I ask you: what's your cause?
What ignites a fire inside of your heart? What causes you to weep upon sight? What pushes you to do more, to be more? Why are you on this earth?
If you are like me, you might be lost on it. It's easy to be so overwhelmed by the world that you can't pick one small thing to change. Or, you might know your purpose and choose to ignore it. You might not be happy with the purpose you've been given. Regardless of the situation you find yourselves in, there is one step we must all take in order to start our journey.
We must accept our positions, our causes. Even if it is not what we wanted, our purpose was aligned in the stars at the beginning of time. God and Fate have not made a mistake with you or me. There is a reason for your life, an impact you were destined to make, we just have to figure it out.
To me, it's a puzzle. At the end, when all of the pieces come together, I will be elated and satisfied beyond measure. Along the way of completion, I'm going to get frustrated, be unable to move forward or match pieces. I might get so angry that I throw the pieces off the table. At the end of the day though, I'm going to finish the puzzle. I'm going to reach the end of my journey and figure it all out.
Whatever you might be wanting to change this year, stick with it. Find your cause and run with it like you stole it. Don't stop for anyone or anything. Put your puzzle together, even if you hate puzzles.
It'll be worth it.
