The end of a year is a great time to look back and see how far you’ve come. The beginning of a new one is a great time to examine where you want to go. Looking back can help you adjust course as you move forward. It may be time to take a new road or a different path.
Not too long ago, my dad hit a deer with his truck- both were wrecked. It got me thinking about what happens if we spend too much time looking in the rearview mirror of life. Often, when driving down south, if you see one deer, they’ll be another nearby. When driving, if you look for the first deer in the rearview after you’ve passed it, you might not see the one in front of you. Bam! Truck needs a new bumper and your meat processor is happy to hear from you.
Rearview mirrors serve an important purpose; it always helps to know where you’re coming from. But, they are meant to be glanced at. If you look too long, you can miss what’s coming. Sometimes, what’s ahead is wonderful. Other times, it’s danger you can navigate away from if you see it early enough.
Your 2013 might have been great or it might’ve stunk like a polecat. Either way, don’t dwell on it. 2014 is a New Year and tomorrow is a new day and a new chance. Look at the road map for your life and see if you’re heading in the right direction. If not, hang a right. Take a back road. Take a dirt road. Get lost. Get bogged down. And then, get back on track.
“Don’t look back– you’re not going that way!” ~Don’t Look Back, Illustrated by Mary Engelbreit, Copyright 1994
Where are your eyes? I hope everyone has a wonderful 2014.