According to the Free Dictionary to end (something) on a high note means To finish, complete, or leave (something) at a successful, impressive, or climactic point. (Farlex, 2022) The Grammarist Website defines the idiom “Ending on a High Note” as being related to music: The expression end on a high note or go out on a high note came into use in the 1920s-1930s and is related to music. A rousing musical performance often ends with the singer hitting a difficult high note that impresses the audience. (Ending on a High Note, n.d.) So how do we incorporate the practice of “Ending on a High Note” to our daily lives? We are in the final quarter of the year, no doubt a challenging year, but one with many successes as well as disappointments. The Covid Pandemic is not over, but we seem to have a bit more control over it. The mid-term elections are coming up at the beginning of next month, and we have all been exposed to the challenges faced by the candidates. We can opt to focus on the negative events of the past year, the mass shootings, hurricanes, political unrest, etc. Or we can look to the future by examining the positive effects displayed by more positive events. For example, on what would have been Betty White’s 100th birthday, people came together to honor her — by donating to an animal shelter or rescue in her name. This is the kind of idea that can shape a more positive future. Another positive happening in 2022 that will have far-reaching positive consequences in the future was when ten nations in the western Indian Ocean committed to create a network of marine conservation areas — called the 'Great Blue Wall' initiative — to speed up progress toward the goal of protecting 30% of the oceans by 2030. (The Best Good News Stories from 2022, 2022) These are just a couple of examples of ending the year on a High Note by focusing on the positive events in the past that can help us be more positive in the future. Take a good look at the year 2022. What events can you remember that had a positive effect on you, your family, your friends, your co-workers? How can you focus on those positive effects as use them to project into the next year – creating a more positive environment for everyone? References
Ending on a High Note. (n.d.). Retrieved from The Grammarist: https://grammarist.com/idiom/end-on-a-high-note-and-go-out-on-a-high-note/ Farlex. (2022). Idioms. Retrieved from The Free Dictionary: https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/end+(something)+on+a+high+note The Best Good News Stories from 2022. (2022, August 31). Retrieved from GoodGoodGood: https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/good-news-2022
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“Forgiveness is giving up the hope that the past could have been any different.” We’re entering the final quarter of the year. In the Philippines, October is the second month of the “Ber” season. (The final four months of the year end in -ber.) This is the beginning of the Christmas season for Filipinos, and might explain why we start seeing Christmas decorations so early in the year. It's also the beginning of the end of the year. A time for reflection, looking back on the year and thinking about what happened and how we reacted to it. Socrates said, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” So, go ahead and look back, examine, and think about decisions made and improvements that can be made as a result of those decisions. Highlight your successes. “Though looking for ways to improve is a good thing, there is nothing wrong with giving ourselves a pat on the back for a job well done. Perhaps you were able to lock down the apartment of your dreams this year. Or finally got around to starting a small savings account or investment fund. Maybe you quit smoking or stuck to your gym regimen. No matter how trivial it may seem, personal successes and accomplishments are worth toasting to. So, clink, clink!” (Garcia, 2015) There are other things to consider as you prepare for the “ber” months. Forgive yourself, give thanks, and celebrate! Celebrate the highs and acknowledge the lows. Take the necessary time for some self-care. It’s a really good thing to celebrate your highs from the year. (Warren, 2019) It’s also important to acknowledge the low points, but don’t dwell on them. Learn from them, and determine how you can do better in the new year. As you are evaluating the past year be aware of how your subconscious is influencing your thought processes. Neuroscientists are now saying how your unconscious mind really shapes your life. The subconscious mind job is to create reality out of your programing. So, if you have negative programing 95% of the day you will create that negative experience in your life and vice versa. (Pullman D. A., The Sub Conscious Mind, 2019) Something to do as you reflect on the past year is to start planning for next year. Keeping in mind your successes and not-so successful efforts, put a plan in motion to improve upon or expand upon those events. Focus on one big goal It’s easy to get excited and set a bunch of goals and resolutions for the upcoming year. Focusing on one big goal forces you to prioritize and focus all your energy on one goal. When you do this, you’re more likely to reach your goal quicker with more attention and energy given to your goal. So go all in on one big goal. Make sure your goal is clear and measurable as well. (Isabella, 2020) In the coming weeks we will explore more ways to end the year on a high note and start the next year with high, but reasonable, expectations. References
Garcia, I. (2015). 5 Ways to End the Year Right. Retrieved from Lifehack: https://www.lifehack.org/345377/5-ways-end-the-year-right Isabella. (2020, December 14). 8 Tips to Plan and Prepare for the Next Year. Retrieved from ReachingSelf: https://reachingself.com/8-tips-to-plan-and-prepare-for-the-next-year/ Pullman, D. A. (2019). The Sub Conscious Mind. In D. A. Pullman, Your Unique Style and Self Esteem (p. 12). Annadale, Virginia: Independently Published. Warren, R. (2019, November 27). 4 Tips for Ending the Year on a High Note. Retrieved from GenTwenty: https://gentwenty.com/tips-for-ending-the-year-on-a-high-note/ |
AuthorI am a Performance Enhancement Specialist with a background in Emergency Psychiatric Medicine and Community Addiction. Archives
December 2023
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