2 minute read
Parkland Update
■ MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
PARKLAND UPDATE
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By Mayor Rich Walker
Happy New Year! As we embark upon a brand new year, let’s reflect on how 2023 can grant us new beginnings, new commitments, and new opportunities.
With the New Year, we often talk about committing to change and the myriad of opportunities available for New Year’s resolutions. Perhaps we want to become more physically active, dedicate ourselves to more community service, commit to becoming a more supportive spouse/ partner, or enrich our work/life balance. We may even want to embrace a more patient outlook and approach to the daily routine of our lives. As mundane as they may sometimes seem, we must realize that our routines are something many others would love to have.
Making positive change is always important. But let’s pause for a moment and reflect on the WHY. Are we making those changes for ourselves or are we feeling pressure to “Keep up with the Joneses?” These days, with social media and other outlets, our activities and our lives seem to be on display 24/7. I often find myself scrolling through Facebook when I have trouble sleeping, looking through my friends’ feeds to see what they are up to, which is both a blessing and a curse. Sometimes it’s hard for all of us to keep true to what’s important.
We often try to conform to please those around us or to feel like we fit in and that can cause us not to be ourselves from time to time. Catherine and I always do our best to ensure our children are independent and confident in themselves.
As you build goals for yourself and your families, make sure that you are doing it for the right reasons. It’s not easy. It takes work and we are not perfect. But that certainly doesn’t mean starting the New Year with goals to improve yourself is not a great idea. I look forward to witnessing the positive changes and growth we are all ready to make.
Let’s lift one another up and support our loved ones and our neighbors to help each other achieve their goals in 2023.
If you would like to share your thoughts or if you have questions or comments you would like to share with me, I would love to hear from you. I can be reached via e-mail at rwalker@cityofparkland.org (mailto:rwalker@ cityofparkland.org) or via cell phone at (973) 390-1453. Of course, I am frequently available monthly at Parkland businesses and love to talk with residents there. I encourage you to visit the City’s website cityofparkland. org and click on the social media icon that you prefer, to ensure that you stay informed on events and helpful information.
