I never make New Year’s Resolutions. I suspect that my dislike of celebrating life’s milestone might be the source of this distaste.
I broke with personal tradition and resolved to change myself
But some time last year, I broke with personal tradition and resolved to change myself, and my behavior, in one significant way. I did this out of a desire for peace, for a measure of serenity in my own head.
In 2021, in response to the torrents of insult, threat, rage and abuse that seem to have engulfed humanity, I resolved to be (at least outwardly) kind and understanding toward people who piss me off.
So far, so good!
Dave VentreA hyper-annuated wannabee scientist with a lovely wife and a mountain biking problem.
Tags:
RetroFlash, anger, change, resolutions, peace
Characterizations:
funny, well written
Good show, Dave, I really like this resolution. My mantra has been, for several months, “long fuse …” because my fuse was getting way too short. Sometimes we lapse, but this does help. Good luck in staying in this kinder place.
I was raised to hit back when hit, answer back when insulted and to seek victory at all times at almost any cost. Very NJ, very Italian-American. I fear that I got way too good at sarcasm. I have come to embrace a more Scandinavian way of being. Although, my Norwegian relatives were more aggressive than the Italian side. That was probably from all the drinking.
Great idea, Dave, and good luck. Every time I consider such a resultion, though, I read something about Trump or Fox news or some Republican politician and I toss it out the window again.
I decided upon this course of action primarily because my rage at Republicans, “conservatives” and assorted screaming anti-science, anti-vaxx dipshits, some of whom I need to deal with personally, was eating me up inside. My trigger was getting ever touchier, my fuse ever shorter. My scared, abusive, sarcastic inner child was becoming ever harder to rein in. And he really ain’t me, he’s a reaction, a defense I put up decades ago.
This is a great resolution, Dave, and I think it counts no matter when you made it. The best part is that you can already tell us “so far, so good.” If you had just made it today, you wouldn’t know yet if you could keep it. Your featured image is pretty scary, so I hope you never looked like that!
Suzy, I seldom raise my voice in anger. I am renowned for disarming my opponents with a smile and seemingly calm demeanor. I am hoping that there is something to the adage that changing a behavior can affect the attitudes and emotions that beget that behavior.
Bravo Dave! If we all took your resolution to heart maybe we’d have a shot at that elusive world peace!
Wishing you and yours a better, happier, healthier new year!
Great one, Dave. I bet you are happier for making it and living it. Not easy, but calm begets calm. How much better the world would be if we all followed your example.
Yours was the perfect resolution for 2021, and I think for 2022 as well. Be kind and understanding. That sounds so simple, but it’s what we need right now.
It can be difficult. My inner putz is always looking for a way to express himself….
Very impressive. Not so easy to keep to in this provoking world, but if what what goes around, comes around, you may expect a bit more kindness and understanding in return—sometimes when you least expect it. Good luck and stay the course.
A wonderful resolution but I do hope you can make a distinction between those of us with humanity and those who resemble us but who operate solely from the limbic brain.
I like myself a little more every time I refrain from getting all screamy at You Know Whoms…