Why is New Year’s Day so full of optimism? It’s just another day on the calendar; or is it?
On New Year’s Day we close the books on business, Christmas, and the Winter Solstice. Though the days from January through March are often cold and snowy, they are also getting longer and brighter, so it feels better; like a time for self-improvement, a time to plan for springing into action.
New Year’s Resolutions
For some, a resolution could mean that it is time to become social, again.
Since Covid, many of us have become complacent in our outside-the-home activities. At first, this reprieve from social pressures was relaxing. But in the aftermath of sheltering at home, reports show depression and suicide are the highest in history.
This reporting makes sense. As we all know, humans are social animals and innate problem solvers (we invented the wheel). And stress, though often thought of negatively, is an excellent human motivator for problem solving. It propels us to forage for food, protect our home, and invent tools. Unfortunately, many humans, left with no problems to solve, will spiral into depression and self-doubt. In layman terms, these reoccurring thoughts make a little groove in your brain. Hence the curse of the repetitive negative mantra that I like to call “Devil Speak.”
Do Something
Because I am older, I know how to push through the complacency and make myself exercise, go to work, go to church, and say Yes to party invitations. Though it is hard and sometimes scary to get up and out of the house, it is worth it.
Every time I leave the gym, church, or work, I feel good about myself. And every time I practice my social skills, I get better at them.
If you are just now getting back out into the world, make it easy on yourself by brushing up on your manners. Manners aren’t just for debutantes; they are also excellent tools for navigating social situations.
Just some easy ones to get back into practice.
- When introduced to someone, say, “Nice to Meet You”
- When leaving a party say, “Thank you for the invitation, we had a good time.”
- Hold the door, and if the door is held for you, be sure to look the person in the eye and say, “Thank You”
- In a crowd, give a lady or older person your seat, if necessary.
- Be a good listener. Don’t look down or around the room while someone is talking to you. Stay present, look them in the eye, and smile. Smiling is contagious.
- Take away your own self-consciousness by being courteous, kind, and interested in the person in front of you. Think of them, not yourself. Ask them a question; where are you working, what have you been doing, how’s your love life?
- Don’t do shots, ever. This leads to bad behavior and bad memories.
- Never stay at a party for more than 4 hours
Because most opportunities lie outside the home, in 2023 I am practicing a “Happy Groove” in my brain by saying Yes to life and accepting all reasonable invitations.
