Overall, I’d say I feel pretty good about the life I’ve led – the person I’ve become, the children I’ve helped to raise, the things I’ve accomplished, the friendships that have endured and the new ones I’ve made.

Now, looking out at the year ahead, I’m considering a range of things I would like to accomplish: some short term, some near term, some stretch goals and some that should be fairly easily achievable. And I am committed to finally following up on two things I’ve delayed for far too long: tossing a lot of stuff out and taking guitar lessons. You need to put things in writing, people say, if you really want to get them done, so there you have it. I feel half-way there already. Well, almost.

Keeping things in perspective and being aware of the indomitable human spirit, despite all the negativity that whips around us on a seemingly constant basis, are other focal points of mine this year.

I thought about this just the day when I overheard a conversation in the men’s locker room at the gym where I work out. I was impressed when one of the men mentioned that he still enjoyed diving on a regular basis, sometimes with members of the high school diving team. He also mentioned how he still enjoyed competitive diving, although at the age of 84 admitted that he wasn’t as competitive as he used to – or as he would now like to be.

He went on to describe a fellow diver he knew who was very competitive and quite acrobatic –even at the age of 91! And this particular gentleman, from the state of Kansas, was diving from the 10-meter board, not the three-meter. He jokingly said that for many their age, just climbing up to that height yet alone making the dive, was quite an accomplishment.

He and his buddy both laughed. A smile crossed my face as well.

Yes, I reminded myself, keep things in perspective, the good with the bad, the things within reach and those things seemingly unattainable. And, oh, yes, don’t be afraid to smile every once and a while.