Smoothing Out Our Rough Edges in the New Year

Accepting yourself as you are and being willing to improve might seem like contradictory concepts, but they are in fact deeply intertwined and essential for personal growth. Compassionately accepting yourself involves treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would extend to a friend. It means acknowledging your flaws and limitations without judgment or self-criticism. Accepting yourself for who you are provides a solid foundation for growth.

Everyone in their own way can use the potent symbol of the new year as a way to start fresh and create new beginnings. People around the world reflect on the past year, let go of what no longer serves them, and then set intentions for the year ahead. Identifying and stating what we want for ourselves in the new year is a powerful practice. It represents a commitment to growth and change, and a belief that we can be better versions of ourselves in the coming year. The act of stating our goals and desires can be motivating and setting them signifies a willingness to take responsibility for our own lives and happiness. This aligns with the Freemasonry concept of “smoothing oneself out,” suggesting the removal of rough edges, flaws, and prejudices through introspection, self-awareness, and a commitment to ethical conduct. By “smoothing” ourselves out, we become more virtuous and better able to contribute positively to society.

It’s important to approach challenges with a willingness to learn from mistakes and setbacks. Nobody is perfect, and it’s important to set realistic expectations for ourselves. Holding impossible standards leads to disappointment and frustration. Accepting our limitations allows us to focus on areas where we can make progress. Putting an emphasis on personal growth and self-improvement helps us clarify our priorities and values. This helps us to make decisions and allocate our physical and mental resources in a way that aligns with our goals.

Remember to be patient and persistent. We are all different and learning and growing will look different for each of us. Rather than comparing our journey to that of others, celebrate every success you have, no matter how small it is. This helps us stay motivated and keeps us moving forward.