Elvira Burgo

So, with 2023 fast approaching, what will you do to make it the most incredible year ever?  As we all know, the New Year is an excellent time to set goals and make a few life changes.  

Is there something you want to do but keep putting off?  Go for it.  Would you like to hike Mount Everest like my son once dreamed of?  At least try.  That was a lofty goal for a 12-year-old, I must say.  Yet, it appeared promising on paper.  

Running a marathon doesn’t sound like a bad idea, either.  

Whatever you decide, I will be your greatest cheerleader as you owe it to yourself.   And you’ll be happier.  Because, frankly, you are more than what you think or people make you out to be.  

While growth is a necessary part of life, fear interferes. For example, I had lost my way and had no courage. Then, a friend said, “You have courage.  It’s somewhere on the shelf where you put it.”  

Looking back, it’s funny hearing those words.  With the many books on my shelves, maybe courage got buried somewhere.  It makes sense now, but not at that time.  My feelings were real.     

Not having courage is not a good place to be.  I knew I had to make some changes, but I felt paralyzed.  Writing a list of all my accomplishments helped.  It allowed me to think more positively and made me happy to know that I once dared to run for the student senate and won.   

I’ve learned that the most challenging thing in making a change is GETTING STARTED.  Once you do, everything else falls into place.  But, most importantly, we feel good about ourselves and teach our children to do the same when we leap or step forward.  

In the New Year, do activities that boost your self-confidence and build courage.  The world does an excellent job of beating us up, but we kick ourselves even harder. Why, I do not know, but allow me to leave you with two things: 

1.  MAKE THAT MOVE

2.  YOU CAN DO IT 

When you do, you will feel so much better.  

I wish you greater happiness in the New Year. Thanks for reading. 

Elvira