"I, for one, have made a stronger resolution within myself to be a better person than I have been in the past. I hope that I will be a little kinder to any I meet who may be in distress. I hope that I will be a little more helpful to those who are in need. I hope that I will be a little more worthy of your confidence. I hope that I will be a better husband, a better father and grandfather. I hope that I will be a better neighbor and friend. I hope that I will be a better Latter-day Saint, with an increased understanding of the wonderful aspects of this glorious gospel. I challenge every one of you who can hear me to rise to the divinity within you." —Gordon B. Hinckley
Each year, as we reflect back on what we did—and didn’t—accomplish, we seem to get this fire to accomplish everything imaginable in the New Year. Lose weight, save money, study the scriptures, write in a journal, see old friends. By February, we’re burnt out and regretting that long list on the fridge. By March, the list gets lost somewhere behind children’s artwork and coupons from the mail. Then the rest of the year passes all too quickly, and we find ourselves starting all over again.
I find myself guilty of the same thing, and in the past week or so have compiled quite the mental list of goals to accomplish. The other day, though, I saw a friend’s post that mentioned how her goal for the year is to simply be. Be better. Be kinder. Be healthier. Be more present. It sounds a lot less stressful when you put it like that.
In 2023, be more present. Take the time to cherish the little moments of laughter and giggles. Take the time to sit down at the dinner table without electronics. Take the time to learn something new.
In 2023, be more active. Don’t worry about pounds and ounces, diets or regiments. Just be more active. Take the stairs. Walk to work. It’s a lot less stressful when you just look in the mirror instead of constantly looking at a scale.
In 2023, be happier. Do the things you love. Try something you’ve always wanted to try. Create the bucket list of your dreams. Spend time with those you love. Take time to love yourself.
You could go on and on about all the things we can work to “be.” Choose what will make you happy and do it. Try a little harder to be a little better.
Plan out your year.
Set your priorities and make 2023 the best year yet. We can’t change the past, but we can change our futures.
Let go of the past, learn from it, and make who you are today stronger and better than the person you were yesterday.
May 2023 be a wonderful year for you and yours.
Editor's note: This article was originally published on LDSLiving.com in January 2019 and has been updated for clarity.