Perspective, Perspective

"I've accepted that we've all got crap to deal with and problems that we're fighting not to be defined by. At the end of the day, we all want the same stuff: fulfillment, love, support, comfort, and a hot-air balloon with laser guns attached to it. The most important thing is that we appreciate the crazy ride we're on."    — Zach Anner, comedian, actor and writer

Here we are again. The beginning of another year. Twelve as-yet-untarnished months of possibility stretching out into the unknown distance.

Is Jan. 1 just another day on the calendar for you? Or are you a goal-setter? A resolution-maker?

Much as I try to break the resolutions habit, I always end up with a whole list of to-do's-huge and daunting, as well as tiny and specific-by December 27th or so.

People like us start the year with great expectations, and then, some point around mid-to-late December, we can look back and assess our progress along our own personal and professional road. That road can get bumpy sometimes. But the scenery sure is worth it.

As you look back at that road, what defines it? The bumps or the view?

Two perspectives, both useful.

So, let's take a moment to look back. How was your 2018? Did you set goals? Did you accomplish them? Did you make resolutions? Did you forget about them? Did you celebrate a milestone? Did something unexpected happen? Was it wonderful? Was it terrible? A little bit of both?

Either way, you're here now. Give yourself some quiet kudos for making it this far on this rollicking, 67,000-miles-per-hour ride through the solar system, whether you made something big and impressive happen, or you just barely managed to muddle through.

Now, take a minute and think about the year to come. Those twelve so-far-pristine months with all their potential for good and bad.

Do you have big plans to put into concrete action? Do you have tiny goals to reach, one baby step at a time?

Have you made space-literally and figuratively-to "stop and smell the roses"? To appreciate the view along the way?

Here at Recreation Management, we have plenty of plans in place for the coming year. In addition to bringing you our usual discussion and reporting on all the latest news and ideas in recreation, sports and fitness, both here on the page and online, we'll be introducing a brand-new Aquatics Report-an extension of our annual State of the Industry Report, where we take a detailed look at trends in the industry. Keep an eye out for the February issue if you want to learn about more detailed, aquatics-specific trends.

And, in October, we'll be celebrating 20 years of Recreation Management! Another opportunity to look back at the road traveled and to contemplate the road ahead.

We're glad you've been along for the ride so far, and we hope you'll stick around to enjoy the scenery as we steer our way forward.

Happy New Year!

Cheers!

Emily Tipping
Editorial Director,
Recreation Management
emily@recmanagement.com