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BY Levi Zimmerman
Like many people, I used to think of a new calendar year as a fresh start.
An opportunity to set new resolutions and leave last year's disappointments and shortcomings in the past.
Yet more often than not, I would set the bar too high and fail to meet my own expectations.
2020 was a whirlwind for me, but it was one of the best years of my life - many blessings and things to be happy about.
2021 was just as sweet - up's and down's but mostly up's, even more blessings, happy moments and loved ones cherished.
Up until the last couple of years, I would say to myself "ok, this is going to be a better year. Last year sucked."
I would always be loathing the past and hoping for a better future, but I wouldn't make the necessary changes within to see a change in my life.
Taking the first few steps is always the hardest, in anything.
My goals for 2022 are fairly simple:
Cherish physical health
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown me that I'm not untouchable. Even though I'm sick of the talk about COVID, it's still here.
I need to continue to make fitness a priority. Working out is mental health medicine!
Take nothing for granted
With the high's, come the low's.
Embrace the struggle.
Slow motion is better than no motion.
Value community
The saying "it takes a village to raise a child" sticks out in my mind.
Our communities are our lives.
We are social creatures by nature, and we must work together to live together.
Low-hanging fruit isn't always the sweetest
When I'm not feeling 100%, I set small goals.
Make my bed, do the dishes, etc.
But I also set goals that can't be achieved tomorrow.
It's important, for me, to have something to be working towards long-term, even though you can't see it right now.
As I move into the New Year, I will keep things simple.