Humble and kind. (Yes, the title is stolen.)

Photo by Colin Maynard on Unsplash

I’m a new convert….. to country music. A slow learner, I’ve lived in North Carolina for almost 30 years (is that possible?) and have only recently dipped my toes into country music’s waters. Talk about a s-l-o-w conversion.

Ironically, country music morphed into a flotation device for my somewhat, bumpy, transition into 2025. You know that annual drill, “should I make a New Year’s resolution, or not?“ Am I being remiss in my resistance to framing a forward-looking outlook for the New Year? Does it really and truly matter? Blah, blah, blah….

I’m betting you get the drift. “To be (a resolution maker) or not to be (a resolution maker?”) Why do I experience guilt as I argue with my stubborn self regarding the pro’s and con’s of being resolution-less, entering 2025? Uh oh, I’m subconsciously adorning myself with the cultural garlands of New Year’s expectations. I don’t want those garlands! I mean, who the heck needs more self-expectations in their life? Not me. Placing one conscious foot, in front of the other, is about my cultural speed. Unwanted expectations become just another life obstacle over which I can trip.

Whoa, whoa, we’ve completely lost sight of your country music conversion. Is it still relevant?

Oh, right. Thank you. Clearly, I’m speeding from my New Year’s Eve celebration, having ingested a tad too much dark chocolate.

Just a tad? You’re a hitter out of the ballpark, when it comes to dark chocolate consumption. Period. Moving on.

Back to wrestling with my annual, internal, argument of making, or not, New Year’s resolutions. Frankly, I’m not one who likes to crash and burn, an excellent reason for not making resolutions. Right? But that doesn’t stop me from arguing with myself on an annual basis. I need help!

Ask, and sometimes you shall receive. I got help. From the world of country music. Hallelujah! Tim McGraw, to be exact. (See, I’m even learning the names of country performers!) Tim McGraw and my Amazon Music playlist conspired (well, probably not) to present me with just the song I needed to hear, while peddling away on my stationary bike. “Stay Humble And Kind.”

“Hold the door, say "please", say "thank you"

Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie

I know you got mountains to climb

But always stay humble and kind”

I can (for the most part) do humble and kind. No lifting of progressively heavier weights or taking on tasks I “should“ do, rather than wish to do. Living within my own spirit, rather than thinking yours is better. I mean, we’re all just trying to grow, aren’t we?

Fallible human that I am (perhaps, like you?) I will, occasionally, crash and burn during an intended humble and kind action. But, hey, fellow humans, I’ll likely see you out there on the crash and burn field, and you know what, we’ll just keep trying! Welcome to 2025.