This is a traditional time when folks make their New Year Resolutions! You know, those promise/wishes we hope to accomplish as we turn over a new leaf at the New Year.
I think, instead, it would be wise to construct a Mission Statement for the year. What, you may ask, is the difference? A resolution is all to often an action to “fix” something about yourself you think is wrong: lose weight, exercise more, stop smoking, meditate every day, etc. A Mission Statement is a formal summary of the aims and values you want to align your life with during the year.
As a musician, I suppose it isn’t too surprising that I find phrases from songs as the seeds of a possible Mission Statement for myself. I offer these for your enjoyment – and perhaps to get you started on your Mission Statement for 2022.
“This little light of mine, I’m gonna’ let it shine.” Harry Dixon Loes
“Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, start all over again.” Dorothy Field & Jerome Kern
“Weave, weave, weave me the sunshine, out of the falling rain.” Peter Yarrow
“I’ll be your candle on the water, my love for you will always burn.” Al Kasha & Joel Hirschoon
“Put on love every day, don’t save love for a special day, just put on love every day.” Mary Lou Walker
“You leave love in your wake with every step that you take.” Amy Carol Webb
“Will the circle be unbroken.” Roy Acuff
“Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord? I have heard you calling in the night. I will go Lord, if you lead me. I will hold Your people in my heart.” John Michael Talbot
“In the end, only kindness matters.” Jewel
Take some time, let the path you wish to walk this year rise up from the silence of your heart, and craft your Mission Statement in whatever language fills you with joy.
