Each morning I rise, full of hope and excitement. As I travel from the world of sleep and dreams to my first moments awake I start to think of things I plan to do this day. The list of things planned is always hopelessly long, even though I know the day will have a limited amount of hours, as always. Without fail, unplanned events occur. The phone rings. People drop in. I welcome them enthusiastically and happily spend my time with them. Things I never counted on need immediate attention. Emergencies and perceived emergencies demand action. My life is no different than anyone else’s I’m sure.
The wonderful plans made as I awoke in the morning slowly slide back, sometimes put off for another day. But through each day I purposely make at least one tiny but measurable step towards my dreams. Those moments add up over time. I never lose hope for I know all worthwhile dreams will come true if I keep at it. Maybe tomorrow will afford me more time.
Now, as we approach the end of another year it’s time to take stock. It’s time to start planning the goals for next year. Somehow, like at the beginning of each day I get renewed optimism - a hope for a fresh start.
We have a saying at our house. The kids, now grown, heard it often as they grew up. Now they remind me when I’m too busy to realize an immediate goal. “Things will be better next year.”
And I have no doubt they will too!
-grampa dan