By Jerry Riley

This is something a friend of mine posted on Facebook: Do you know why a car’s WINDSHIELD is so large & the rear view mirror is so small? Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So, look ahead and move on. How true! We should always look backwards, to remember the mistakes that have occurred in our past, but we need to take a bigger view of what is in the future. A regular rearview mirror usually gives you a pretty clear image of what is behind you; what may be creeping up on you. A convex mirror is more like your memory and gives a somewhat distorted view of things in your past. Some people say we learn more from mistakes than we do when we do things right the first time. That statement makes me think I should be a lot smarter than I am - and what a revolting development this is! New Year’s is the traditional time to set realistic new goals. When contemplating trying new things, remember, inexperience does not mean inability. Some things might seem more difficult to accomplish, but, those accomplishments might just mean more. To look back, to access your life and to look forward with anticipation, or trepidation - it’s your choice! What do you want to accomplish in 2012 and beyond? Are those things realistic? Are unrealistic goals ever a good thing? Do unrealistic goals give you hope, or just set yourself up for failure? Happy New Year!

Jerry Riley is an occasional commentator for the News Bulletin. He is a retired telecommunications supervisor. © 2011 All Rights Reserved