To My Friend, January
Hello, January, my old friend! It’s been a while since we’ve sat down for a little heart to heart chat. It appears that you’ve dropped in on me in your usual manner. Oh, please don’t choose to be offended. I love when you show up at my doorstep. But, it’s only once a year that I see you, and you insist on bringing a whole bunch of friends along at each visitation. I have to be honest with you. I’m beginning to think that you are afraid to commit to this relationship. You show up for 31 days out of a possible 365, and then you disappear again. I used to think that you were nothing but cold, dark, and mysterious. However, having gone through this interesting cycle with you for these past twenty years, I’ve finally figured you out.
You may disagree with my assessment. Nevertheless, I sense that you are afraid to commit to this relationship. It is a peculiar one, I’ll admit. These friends of yours, some of whom I’ve been introduced to before, appear to be less than fond of you. I’m sorry to have to be the one to tell you this, but they blame you for their problems. It all begins with this New Years resolution concept. Don’t you get it by now? Nobody likes that idea! It very well might be time to consider an alternative to replace it. Statistics do not lie, my dear friend. Only a small number of these friends you bring to me ever stick around for long. There are certainly a number of reasons for this common occurrence. I believe that the marvelous Michelangelo eloquently painted part of the problem which afflicts so many. He said, “The greatest danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short, but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.” Some experts think that, like you, Mr. January, the masses never plan on sticking around. They want a little taste of what could be, and when they have finished their sampling, they vanish until you beckon them to come out of hibernation. But, I don’t share this opinion. I am much more optimistic because of the knowledge that I’ve acquired.
Listen, January, I know who you really are! You go by many names. You are actually known as February as well, aren’t you? I thought so. One of your passports identifies your name as Mr. March, and another Mrs. April. In fact, isn’t it true that you use the aliases of May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December as well! Oh, so you finally admit this long hidden secret. You have been here all the time and so, too, have your friends. You didn’t want me to know because you were ashamed? I’m sorry you felt that way. I’ve never judged you based on your progress or lack thereof. I just enjoy having you around and helping in any way I am able. I’m aware that you keep trying the best way that you know how. I’ve actually known your story for quite some time. I know your particular circumstances and individual struggles. I’ve never given up on you. In fact, you may not realize this, but I am your biggest cheerleader. Some contend that there are only two certainties in regards to life: death and taxes. Nonsense! My support is certain. I’ll tell you what motivates me to continue on my own personal journey. “It is the possibility that keeps me going, not the guarantee.”–Nicholas Sparks Anything is possible for those who believe! January, if that’s what you’d like me to call you, you are an inspiration to me. Thank you, my friend, for your powerful example.
photo credit: Brett Jordan Resolutions 2017 via photopin (license)