Happy New Year dear readers from around the world. It’s time to reflect back and look ahead.
As I explained in my Christmas Day post, 2019 was a tough year for me. In fact, in many ways it was horrible. I endured more calamity than many will ever endure, especially those who are not self-employed. If you knew the specifics, you would know that I am not exaggerating.
But I look ahead to 2020 today, not backwards. While looking backwards is helpful in some respects, it can represent a crippling roadblock to progress and inner peace. The past is in the past.
So first let me stop and count my blessings. A wonderful wife and precious son. Family, friends, and faith. Shelter over my head, food in my stomach, clothes on my back. And wisdom.
On that last point, we know that hindsight is always 20:20, but in 2020 I hope to use that wisdom and discernment, often learned the hard way, to improve my decisionmaking for the future. Logically, as we grow older and grow in wisdom, we can begin to approach 20:20 vision in the way in which we make decisions and interact with others.
I’m thankful for the ease of which I can travel. Christmas was spent in Los Angeles and New Year’s in Germany. We spent a couple days in London in between. Travel also sharpens your vision of yourself and the world, building discernment almost naturally.
As I seek to care for my family, grow my businesses, and appreciate life in 2020, it all starts with the paradox of trust.
Trust I extended was violated in 2019. The logical response might be to simply stop trusting. But that is no way to live life; that is a recipe to be miserable.
I know that because I have been miserable. For months.
Change won’t happen overnight. But as I look back on the past, I know that trust is a life-giving spring. When trust is cut off, so many other areas of life are not properly cared for.
As we embark upon a new year, I know I am a wiser, shrewder person: the scars of the past prove it. But I will not stop trusting. I cannot stop trusting.
What does all of this have to do with Live and Let’s Fly? My mood, my feelings, and my desires invariably spill over into this blog. In 2020, I hope to offer—better than ever before—engaging content presented with a thoughtful perspective that is marked by honesty, realism, and yet a pursuit of reconciliation.
Happy New Year.
Happy New Year, Matthew!
I’m with you on the trust issue, so I wish that 2020 brings you real-life proof that trust is worthwile and can blossom into many accomplishments, from friends and business partners.
Looking forward to your engaging articles.
Happy New Year!!!!! You became one of my favorite travel bloggers so I look forward for great posts in 2020. All the best.
Hang in there Matthew. This reader is behind you and you certainly have earned my trust.
Oh, that sounds bad. Happy New Year , Matthew ( and a virtual hug, from Dublin). 2020 will be better!!
Very best wishes to you Matthew and my hope that your 2020 will be a much happier year.
Having turned 70, I can look back on some very grim periods in my life. Fortunately I was always able to pull myself together and move forward. I’m sure, with the love of your wife and son, you will do the same.
Thank you for the hours of enjoyment I’ve experienced reading your blog over the past year.
Hang in there! 2020 can be better! Your work is the best, even better than Lucky. (Ben)
Happy New Year Matthew and please keep up the blogging.
I’ll add a word of warning – as you get older you probably become wiser however other things start to fail – I can’t run as far or as fast as I used to and I can’t cycle 100 miles without stopping any more but I am the guy in the team who younger guys ask for advice of all sorts because they think I’m a wise old man!
Seize the day and get on with it, you are good at what you do – be better by the end of 2020!
Thanks Matthew, you moved up to my 2nd favorite blogger in 2019. Now, it’s hand to hand combat with Ben at OMAAT. 🙂
Happy 2020 to you, Matthew. You are a good man. I know you will triumph over the adversity visited upon you in 2019.