This first week of 2023 has been busy for everyone who has tried to follow through on their latest New Year’s Eve resolutions. It seems not to matter if the goals made are serious or frivolous. Sincere attempts to make changes soon become visible to everyone. The uptick in attendance at gyms, increased sales of monthly meal plans or grocery deliveries is all part of this change to live a healthier life.
The changes that gradually take hold are the ones that move beyond resolute behaviors and become habits. Most of the viable life-changers appear to be centered around one’s physical and mental health. When the end result makes such a marked difference in the way one lives, the casual goal becomes a self-initiated life insurance policy.
Reading a recent obituary honoring a well-known artist and filmmaker, the word policy was used to describe the life choices that this one individual made to move behind the scenes and remain out of the spotlight. They used a Scandinavian phrase describing this gentleman’s extraordinary efforts to remain out of the public eye, while contributing to making a difference in the lives of so many others. Through his lifetime he was known for his dedication to changing the world, as well as his honesty and humility.
Another Scandinavian term, Hygge, which describes another lifestyle choice, demonstrates the possibility of gaining success at living as unencumbered and calmly as possible. There are quite a few examples of individual who dedicate their lives to this endeavor. They may have accrued fame and wealth along the way, yet they become even more well-known for staying humble and dedicating their lives to helping others. While many of us resolve to change the way we live and get rid of making short-term goals, others of us cannot seem to make these healthy changes habitually. It is the main reason for continuing that once a year effort.
By DOLLY VISCARDI – Special to the Herald Times
