AS I SEE IT
By Neal A. Shipman
Farmer Editor
As we move into 2020, have you already made your New Year’s Resolution? If you have, you join a very long line of people dating back to early Christianity who on the first day of the new year would think about their past mistakes and resolve to do better in the future.
But how many people actually keep those resolutions of losing weight, eating healthier, getting more exercise, spending more time with family and friends or being a better employee or boss? My guess is that most New Year’s resolutions start off good for the few weeks or months. But then our old habits return and those New Year’s resolutions become a thing of the past.
For those who each and every year, make a pledge to themselves to be a better person than they have been, they shouldn’t look at not achieving their New Year’s Resolution as being a failure. Rather it is a goal that constantly needs to be worked on to achieve.
But what would happen if our resolution for 2020 was not just personal?
What would happen if everyone in Watford City, McKenzie County, the state and the nation decided that our 2020 resolution would be to work together to make our community and world a better place?
Granted, it is hard to change what is happening in the nation or in the world. But each and every one of us living in McKenzie County can help make this unique part of the world a better place.
But what would happen if each and every one of us promised to give more to charity and to devote more of our time to helping with local causes? Or if we decided that instead of criticizing what is happening in and around Watford City and McKenzie County, we tried to find the solution?
Just imagine how much could be accomplished if everyone decided to just join one local service club or organization and became an active member. Or what a difference the small act of picking up a piece of trash would mean to the appearance of the area.
As Watford City and McKenzie County embark on another exciting and challenging year, the success that we as a region will experience will be directly tied to how committed each and every one of us is to making this a great place to live, work and raise a family.
So as we welcome 2020, let each of us take a pledge to make a positive difference not only in our lives, but in the lives of everyone else who calls this place home.