A man named Socrates, who was considered by many in ancient Greece, and today, as the wisest amongst wise men, once said that the secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old but on building the new.
The old year is gone. The New Year has begun. For many of us, including me, it seems as though the New Year 2022 is already racing forward at break-neck pace.
As I look back at 2021, despite its challenges, there’s so much for which to be thankful, including the fact that I am here, literally, in 2022 and able to look back. Unfortunately, for many people, some with whom I was closely acquainted, 2021 was the end of their physical journey.
At the beginning of each year, I remind myself of certain key principles. I call them my eleven (11) mantras. Hopefully, they can help or encourage someone else to navigate the ebbs and flow of the New Year 2022. They are the following:
- Keep God in the midst at all times
- Care for your family
- Care for yourself
- Be one another’s keeper; live right with others
- Be a good steward of your surroundings; there’s only one planet Earth
- Be of courage and spread your blessings like seeds on good soil
- Stay connected to your roots — remember where you came from
- Stay relevant through lifelong learning; you’re never too old or too young to learn something new
- Don’t obsess; remember tomorrow is another day
- Be creative not destructive; love life; live fully; live richly
- Be of purpose at all times; never ever give up
As 2022 continues to barrel forward, may each of us be blessed with good physical, emotional and mental health. May we find renewed resilience and strength to successfully handle the unforeseen. Above all, may we have the passion to actively pursue the prosperity that we deserve. Also, please spread some good vibes throughout the year. All of us can use a healthy dose of good vibrations!
Happy New Year 2022!
Editor’s note: Moleto A. Smith Jr. is the executive director of the St. Thomas East End Medical Center Corporation.
