Before diving into 2019, I took some time to reflect on the last year. The good, the bad and ugly all provide lessons that can be applied in the new year. As I flipped through the memories in my head over a coffee, I was reminded of close calls, great victories and the painful losses.
To me, it all boils down to three very important tasks that I have to focus on in 2019. Some of these benefit me directly, while others are more about my family and community. Perhaps you can benefit from the too.
Talk to your doctor. I’m not getting any younger and my prime is probably behind me now. Yet, my best days are still ahead and I need to focus on staying healthy enough to make the most out of my time. I just got a clean bill of health from my doctor and he said I was in perfect shape. He kicked the tire and checked all the fluids and I’m doing just fine.
That was a relief, since I had not been to my doctor in years. But, it got me to thinking about my health and my family history. I have a long history of heart disease in my family – and that’s not something to take lightly. Most of the guys in my family never got a second chance eat right, exercise and lower their cholesterol. Their first heart attack was their last.
It’s so easy to see talk to your doctor now! I found this great app called LiveHeath Online that allows me and my family to connect with a doctor from my iPhone. It’s just like FaceTime and from the comfort of my living room.
Spend more time with your friends and family. I’m a pretty busy guy. Working for three colleges, maintaining a private practice, a blog and an online store keeps me hopping each week.
Who am I doing all this for? My wife and kids! So, I have to be intentional in planning time with them. Last year I started taking me daughters on “date nights” so I could spend time with them individually. I had no idea how meaningful those events would be to them. I must carve out time to take them out to dinner at least once a month.
My ability to talk to and share with my daughters has a direct impact on their present emotional health and their future relational health. They will marry a man like their father.
Last night my wife and I went out to dinner with two other couples. I can’t remember the last time she laughed like that. I don’t know about you or your marriage – but I have to spend more time with my wife.
Yes. Bills have to be paid, projects completed, and deadlines met – but what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his wife? I’ve seen that happen. Many men come into my counseling office broken and bleeding with regret because his job was more important than his wife.
Say “Thank You”. Gratitude is a powerful force in the world. It is the quality of being thankful; a readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
We live in a culture that is very unkind at times. How much better would our communities be if each of us showed gratitude to the bus driver, the waitress, the cashier or our neighbor.
All it takes to change the world this year is a little nudge in the right direction. The power of those two little words is limitless.
I’ll start by saying “Thank You” for reading this blog and helping LifeNub reach as many lives as possible. I’m so grateful for a group of people like you that want to make the world a better place in 2019.