I have made a few resolutions for 2020.

Some are new, like trying to drink more water, learning to recognize and enjoy special moments and using the fine china, crystal and silver.

I am not getting any younger so even if I break a plate or two, there will still be plenty for the kids to inherit after I’m gone.

Then, there are those resolutions I make every year.

I want to continue to work at staying fit and healthy, be diligent at writing notes to people and reading more.

Of course, I also want to continue my efforts in viewing the glass half full rather than half empty.

I have written about my efforts, or should I say struggles, with this concept previously, but as Scarlett O’Hara would say, “while there’s a breath left in my body” I will keep trying to strive for a more optimistic attitude.

While it is easy for me to worry, complain and look for all the negatives in a situation, unfortunately, I am not the only one who sometimes has a distorted view of situations.  

There are some in Vicksburg who like to complain about everything going on or not going on, as they would say.

Of course, Vicksburg is not picture-perfect, nor does it have all the amenities of larger communities.

So we don’t have a Mall of America in our town, but we also don’t have crazy traffic.

I went to visit my son, who lives in Austin, Texas, a few months ago. Once I got to the city limits, it still took me nearly an hour just to get to my hotel.

Talk about something to complain about.

Therefore, to all the naysayers who have grievances against Vicksburg, instead of griping about its negatives, I ask why not be part of the solution to improving our city.

For those who have complained Vicksburg does not have enough restaurants; open one up yourself or invest in a particular food chain you like.

There have been many complaints about crime, and for those wondering how they could make a difference, one way is to volunteer time.

I know Judge Marcie Southerland would appreciate anyone who would like to come in and help with the children she sees in her youth court.

And no doubt, many of the non-profit organizations welcome volunteers.

In fact, next Wednesday, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., a workshop entitled “So You Want Your Voice To Be Heard?” will be held at the Vicksburg Convention Center. This workshop is for anyone interested in serving — or is serving — as a board member of one of the many non-profit organizations in our community.

It will also include an opportunity to visit booths where you can further learn steps to serve on a particular board.

The event is free and they will be serving a continental breakfast.

I know I will be a happier woman if I continue to strive for a rosier outlook on life and all the things that entails.

So when I see my Waterford crystal glass half empty, no worries, I have accomplished another of my resolutions.

 

Terri Cowart Frazier is a staff writer for The Vicksburg Post. She can be reached at terri.frazier@vicksburgpost.com.