“Happy is the man who wants what he has.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Wow, Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is just around the corner! It’s hard to believe that 2025 is almost history. It seems like we were just ringing in the New Year and here we are nearly 12 months later!
As the holiday shopping season gets into full swing, what do you want for Christmas this year? Although I appreciate and enjoy receiving tangible gifts from family and friends, this year I am focusing more on the intangibles — sharing good times with loved ones, finding peace of mind, and enjoying the holidays with less hustle and bustle.
Looking ahead, my New Year’s resolution for 2026 is to take life less seriously. After all, as much as we think we are in control of our lives, we are not. Yes, we can do more, but rushing from place to place and playing more doesn’t necessarily make us feel better. If we’re not comfortable with what we have or living in fear of losing it all, then we can never truly be self-fulfilled.
People set their goals by determining what they want to change. But when it seems like nothing has changed, they feel bad, guilty or frustrated. One needs to see the balance between self-acceptance and self-improvement. Self-acceptance leads to confidence, which makes one feel good, thus setting a person up for success. If you can accept yourself, you cannot be defeated by failure or rejection.
No external condition can make you happy. Not money, not finding the perfect partner, not your career. But finding greater self-acceptance can bring you more money, a great relationship, and an amazing career. Self-acceptance is attractive. Others are drawn to it. Decide what you want and move fearlessly towards your goals. Attaining your goals will not make you more acceptable, but accepting yourself will help you attain your goals.
It is said that it takes 21 days to start a new habit that creates a new behavior. Therefore, one could develop 17 new habits in one year. Wow, now that could be a massive turn-around in anyone’s life. Well, I am constantly working on my goal, and so far, so good. I have let go of being attached to the outcome. Yes, I’ve set my goal. I’ve taken steps to achieve that goal. I do the hard work, but I have released the stresses that I’ve carried around, for years, shedding a practice which was not a smart way to live life.
Yet, I believe I’m not alone. It is said only 8% of what we worry about or fear ever really comes true. With those odds, I think we can all learn to release our fears and just have fun. This month I have made a small shift with big results. I’ve decided to forget about being in balance. I know I can never get it all done, so at when I’m at work I work hard and enjoy everything that comes my way.
At home, I appreciate the time I have with my wife in our familiar surroundings. I really am happy with what I have. I seek to enjoy every experience as a gift. Boy, am I having fun and looking forward to whatever the New Year will bring! Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Ralph
