I know this is supposed to be the month when we resolve (at least, to be more resolute). But I also recognize that the track record on that endeavor is, for many of us, generally pretty spotty. That’s why, as I prepared my resolutions for 2023, I decided to play it safe.
For instance, I pledge here and now not to rob a bank or credit union, take candy from babies, generate headlines for my mistreatment of kittens and eat cauliflower-based anything.
I’m pretty sure I can check those boxes at the end of this year. Consequently, the world will be a better place, thanks to my fight for truth, justice and the American way.
But will I be a better person?
That’s the question at the heart of New Year’s resolutions. And because most of us want to do things this year that will make us better people going into next year, we mark the first month on the calendar as a starting point for doing/being something above/beyond what we did/were.
This year, I propose that we actually vow/deliver, especially where it matters.
I recalled a story in this space a few months ago about my 5-year-old grandson, who upon meeting another youngster in a play area, asked the lad: “Do you want to be my friend?” The boy responded that he did, indeed, want to be my grandson’s friend. And, like that, they were friends.
I resolve to be more like my grandson.
Further, I resolve to be like Mike. No, not that Mike. I’m talking about Mike Jacobson, who actually goes by Michael, and who, as the President/CEO of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, has been tasked with helping the local business scene stay relevant, come pandemic or economic stress. In case you haven’t noticed, Arlington business and civic leaders relish in the opportunity to work together for the greater good. That’s why Arlington continues to flourish, even during challenging times. Mike/Michael’s unyielding belief in the power of “Together, we …” has had a lot to do with that.
I also resolve to be like Brandee. Her last name is Kelley, and she leads a real estate group in Arlington that, literally, makes people feel at home, pretty much every working day of the week. You can learn something about her in our Real Estate section that begins on page 34. You can also know this: In a decade of interacting with news sources and advertisers as editor of this publication, I can count on no fingers anyone who has been more amiable, more sincere in her faith, more pleasant with whom to work than Brandee Kelley. Yes, I would love to be like Brandee.
I’m still not eating cauliflower, though.
