How to make 2018 a better year than 2017

For many people listening to our show, the end of the year can’t come fast enough. This past year — 2017 — has been a challenging year politically and culturally. And maybe for you, it’s also been a challenging year personally.

Not to sound too Pollyanna-ish, but in the grand scheme of things, I think these really are the best of times.

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We live in one of the greatest places on the planet. I’m talking geographically and culturally. The Pacific Northwest is an absolute gem, and Seattle is among the world’s great cities. Make 2018 the year you enjoy that more. Go on a hike. I’ve never been to base camp at Mt. Rainier. I plan on going there next year. Take a ferry ride just for the hell of it. Walk around downtown Seattle or Tacoma on a Saturday afternoon. Be a tourist in your own city.

Culturally, Seattle is the second-most literate city in America. We are on the cutting edge of technology and medicine. We have a world class university. You can go to the ballet, a rock concert, and a professional sporting event in the same weekend. And pop in for dinner at a one of the best restaurants on the West Coast.

We hear the drumbeat every day about how rents are getting higher, and how income inequality is ruining everything. It’s easy to start to compare yourself to Jeff Bezos or Bill Gates.

But according to the Global Rich List website, if you make over $35,000 a year, you are in the top 1 percent in the world. I know that information doesn’t buy you more groceries, but if you change the yardstick you measure things by, it can change your thinking.

As far as your personal life goes. If this has been a dark year for you, take charge. Make some strides in the right direction. I suggest some small, attainable goals to get the positive momentum going. Go see a professional, that can really help. I’m talking about a financial advisor or a therapist. Maybe hire a personal trainer or make an appointment with a nutritionist.

Finally, be grateful. This is your one shot at life. Don’t squander it.

Thanks for listening to the show, that means the world to me. You got this.

You can hear “What are we talking about here?” everyday at 4:45 p.m. on 97.3 FM.

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