It’s 2025 and a good time for each of us to ‘morph’

ALLZ GR 8

Recently I saw a license plate that carried this message. In today’s world, most would agree that it’s not. I’d like to think that we always give more than we expect, but an honest reality check argues that it isn’t so.

Time, however, marches on regardless of what we do or don’t do in our lives. It’s up to us to keep in step with the times, be positive and not embarrass ourselves in the process. 2025: It’s time to morph.

All of my New Year transformations tend to operate in terms of inspiration and aspiration. At the beginning of every new year, I ask myself these questions and then pose the same to my family members and close personal friends: What do I get complimented on the most? And, on the flip side, what do others find uncomfortable with me? This feedback teaches me about practices I should continue doing and those that I’m unaware that I’m unfavorably projecting.

Also, I’m well aware that the results just might be painful. On that note, Denzel Washington offered his impression on pain in EQUALIZER 2: “There are two kinds of pain, pain that hurts and pain that alters. It’s how we face pain; we can let it destroy us or see it as an opportunity to better oneself.”

But, if this thought process doesn’t exactly register, think about doing the following. Those of us of a certain age can’t help but remember Ralph Kramden, the eternal optimist, and his best friend on “The Honeymooners,” Ed Norton. For the New Year, those individuals might welcome his sage advice: “When the tides of life turn against you. / And rock and upset your boat, / Don’t waste tears on what might happen. / Just lie on your back and float.”

Bob Simmons

Arlington Heights