Phyllis Beveridge Nissila

For my New Year’s resolution this year, I have decided to make a change where change begins: in thought and attitude. I have chosen this for a banner:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8)

And I have chosen this for an addendum:

A sense of humor helps lighten the mental and spiritual load.

I mean, in contrast to the above, take a look at the secular news today that might “inspire” completely different thoughts and attitudes, might prompt other banner words, some of which are not suitable for a G-rated blog. But don’t look too long if you are given to depression or drink, for headlines might reveal the following:

• Pandemic Panic Projected to Rival Panic of the Black Plague, Moscow Plague + Riot, the Great Plague of Marseille, and Antifa COMBINED!
• Running Out of Letters in Greek Alphabet for Virus Variants! Alphabet Diversity Committee Quibbles Over English or–Street Mob Fave–$#!tish!
• Economists Predict Massive Increase in Cost of Bacon!! (or pick your own menu preference)
• Used Face Masks Clog Landfills! Soak Up Sea Water!
• “Jingle Bells” Determined Racist! (I did not make this one up.)
• Society for the Preservation of Offenses Decries “Critical Thinking Supremacy”!

On the other hand, partly because of the wacky world in which we live today which inspired the headlines above, humor is on the rise for its therapeutic and angst-releasing powers–but, shhhhh, don’t tell the Society for the P.O.’d (if you know what I mean) lest they shred their Teddy bears and, ah, soil their safe spaces.

So that’s my resolution.

Cheers.

And here’s a little tune to help you tune-up for ’22!