Things look different through the filter of age and life experience.
In many cases, time mellows and humbles.
We realize it isn't really about us.
We realize the important things in life aren't things.
Many people believe we live in a disposable society when it comes to people and things.
For instance, a nurse estimates a good portion of babies born are "throwaway babies." My eyes widened when I heard the term.
"The mother doesn't even care enough to ask if the child is a boy or girl and doesn't seem concerned if the child is healthy, as if she doesn't want to bond with the child," she elaborated in a forlorn tone.
I've heard people flippantly say, "Oh well, if this marriage doesn't work out, I'll just get a divorce."
It sounds as simple as changing your mind when ordering a soda.
These are examples of a "check out" attitude, not forming bonds and building relationships with people.
The increase in technology has made it easier and all the more inviting to check out. Many of us have our faces buried in devices, even while sitting across a table from someone during a meal.
It's really quite disheartening.
We constantly check our devices, always looking for the newer, faster, bigger and better experience.
Through these portals, we often look for a true connection with someone or something and mightily fail most times.
What's wrong with them? What's wrong with us?
How do things get so frantic and fractured?
I believe many of us are overloaded, haggard and harried with the demands and drudgery of pressures and problems.
There are too many ways to receive and exchange information and too many ways to superficially communicate.
Yes, social media is nice to catch up or see how friends and family spent the holidays or where they went on vacation, but it's no replacement for true, actual meaningful connections with others.
Many of us spend so much time posting about our lives that we must ask ourselves if we are truly living our lives or merely displaying and documenting it for others to see.
Is it more than getting the picture for our social media feed or are we truly soaking up and enjoying the experience?
Our screens and devices shouldn't become barriers to actually living our lives or truly connecting with others.
Be open and accessible to one another in real time. Put the device down, look in the other person's eyes. Listen to what he or she is saying without scrolling through a feed.
Quit searching for the newest, fastest, best, latest because it's a never-ending, unfulfilling search.
"Learn to be still," as an Eagles song states.
Many of us, sadly, look for happiness or to fill a hole within us with all the wrong things. Certainly drugs, alcohol and other vices aren't the answer.
And another person isn't the answer either.
I know a couple of ladies, one in her 20s and one in her 40s, who are looking for something or someone to make them happy. The truth is, it's no one else's job to make these women happy.
It is my belief happiness, security and contentment should come from within ourselves and placed in our hearts by relying upon a higher power. We can't totally fix our world or anyone else's. Yet, we can find some peace, comfort and happiness if we make the right choices.
Also, love isn't controlling or being controlled by someone. That's outright manipulation and quite unhealthy.
Whatever troubles you have in the early stages of this new year, invest in finding happiness within yourself, spend time with those who build you up instead of tear you down. Realize we are all broken and need a kind word, a warm smile.
Don't let life be fleeting or disposable. Be present in the moment.
Disengage with the devices and spend some time in a good, old-fashioned conversation. Instead of bowing your head to check the latest feed, say a prayer for God to fill your soul and your heart.
He knows what you need.