Wendel Abel
THERE ARE three days left to the close of another year. It was a year of challenges and setbacks for many of us. We had a busy hurricane season, we have seen the crime rate escalate and the country continues to grapple with relatively slow economic growth. Some of us have failed to achieve some of our personal goals and failed to achieve some of the things we had expected for 2005. Some of us have experienced the death of friends, families and loved ones. There are those among us who have had personal losses, dislocations, sickness and disappointment. On the other hand, some of us have had many successes and personal achievements. Whatever was your experience amid the challenges and the setbacks, let those of us who are alive, even if we are not in the best of health, all give thanks that we have survived.
As we reflect on the year that is fast closing let us pause and ponder the presence of that power greater than us all; that power whoever we consider him or her to be and give thanks.
LET US PAT OURSELVES
Let us pat ourselves on the back for having endured another year for having survived. I literally mean pat yourself on your back now and say well done. I recall as a child at the end of the day my grandmother would always look to the heavens and whispered a word to herself. She would say, "When men on earth have done their best, the angels in heaven can do no better." Remind yourself of your fortitude, pause to congratulate yourself for your endurance and be proud of your achievements. If all you have done this year was to keep your head above the stormy seas of 2005, be proud of yourself. You are a survivor!
GIVE THANKS TO OTHERS
Let us remember to say thanks to those who have been there for us this year. To those who found time to care and share and to have made this year for the better. To those who found time to exchange some kind thoughts or a few kind words, to those who were there for us, to those who contributed and enriched our lives this year. Be it a friend, your spouse, a relative, your children, your parents, your colleague or a neighbour. Let us not take others for granted. Use the opportunity of the next few days to call or write to all those who have made a difference in your life this year.
TIME TO MAKE PEACE
Let us make peace. Is there someone that you have not spoken with? Are you in malice with someone? Is the relationship strained between you and another person? Make peace my friend, make peace. Try to let go of the hurts and pain and move on.
Put closure to whatever may be bothering you or affecting you. Let us enter into the year with a new commitment to be a better person, to achieve more, to enhance our relationships, to give more and to contribute more to the building of this our beloved country.
TIME TO MAKE PLANS
Make some concrete plans for 2006. Take these last days of this year to make new plans and to set new goals for 2005. Let your goals be realistic and specific. Do not make too many goals and resolutions that you will not be able to achieve. Remember those of us who fail to plan are planning to fail.
Cast aside in the dump heap all negative thoughts, attitudes and self-defeating behaviour today. Remember you are today where your thoughts, attitudes and behaviour have taken you and you will be tomorrow and next year where they will take you.
The secret of success is learning how to use challenges, pain and setbacks and obstacles and mistakes to transform our lives for the better instead of making them control and cripple our souls.
Take some time out and write out some of your goals and plans.
We are going to make 2006 a year for peace, prosperity, personal growth and improved personal relationships. I shall be writing an article especially for you to help you achieve these if that is your wish. Make sure you get the next issue.
Enjoy the next few days of 2005 in quiet and peaceful reflection and take time to plan. Let us give thanks. We are survivors.
Dr. Wendel Abel is a consultant psychiatrist and senior lecturer, University of the West Indies. Email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
