by The Jacksonville Bar Association President Courtney Grimm
At this time of year, we naturally think back over the past 12 months and look ahead toward the next 12 months.
Remembering times gone by and reflecting on what occurred, accomplishments or missed opportunities we may have had, or time spent with friends and family can be rewarding and bring back not only treasured memories but lessons learned.
Looking forward and planning for the New Year leads us to think of what we want to achieve and what we can do to better ourselves and the life we live.
When you take a moment to reflect on 2010, what comes to mind?
I was immediately reminded of the devastating earthquake which occurred in Haiti, and the effect it had on so many lives. What an awful beginning that was to the New Year!
But then in the Winter Olympics, speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno brought pride and spirit to all Americans as he became the most decorated American Olympian, holding eight Olympic Medals.
Come spring, my most favorite Gator football player of all time, Tim Tebow, was drafted in the first round by the Denver Broncos and although I was sad to see him leave the area, I was thrilled that others believed in his abilities and passion.
Devastation again struck with the explosion of BP’s Deepwater Horizon oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico, which wasn’t contained until almost four months later and damaged not only sea life but the livelihoods of many.
Another misfortune, but with a happy ending, occurred in the fall when the Chilean miners became trapped underground and had to survive for 69 days before being brought back to the surface.
The year came to a close on an uplifting note with Tebow winning his first NFL game as a starter.
On a personal note, I was reminded of the accomplishments of my girls in school and with their horseback riding and swimming activities, as well as of the fun family times we had traveling to Santa Fe, New Mexico, spending Halloween at Disney, and cheering on the Gator and Jaguar football teams.
Now to the new year, when many make New Year’s resolutions. Do you?
The tradition of New Year’s Day resolutions dates back to the early Babylonians. They believed that what a person does on the first day of the new year will affect what they do throughout the year. For that reason, it became common for folks to celebrate the first few minutes of a brand new year in the company of family and friends and to set resolutions.
While modern-day New Year’s resolutions rarely survive beyond Super Bowl Sunday, close to half of us make resolutions or set goals. Statistics confirm that those who make a meaningful resolution are more likely to achieve their goal than those who make no commitment at all.
So start your resolutions with a list. It’s not too late.
For starters, I suggest that you include among your resolutions or goals for the year to reread your oath of admission to The Florida Bar, read the U.S. Constitution (all 4,440 words) that we promised to support in our oath, and read or reread “To Kill A Mockingbird.”
I would also encourage you to read Tebow’s “Promise” and apply his promise, his drive to give more and do more, to every aspect in your life.
To these resolutions, I personally add my goals of spending more time with family and friends, being more optimistic and living my faith.
In Oprah Winfrey’s words: “Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right!”