I think that most folks will agree that the last couple of years have been overridden with negative. From the inception and lingering effects of COVID-19 to the deepening divide when it comes to trying to have a civil discussion regarding politics, and from the wide open southern border, which allows drugs and some rather undesirable individuals to sneak into our country illegally to the tightening economy we all suffer through, there is much to be concerned about — if we let it get to us!

However, for a very long time now, my philosophy has been that “There is nothing that you should worry about!” Simply put, if there is something negative you are worrying about, you can either do something about it, or you can’t do anything about it!

If there is something you can do, then do it, and you no longer need to be concerned since you have done what you can.

If there isn’t anything you can do, then, again, you can stop being concerned since there is nothing you can do to alleviate the negative. Either way, you can and should stop fretting over the negative and begin focusing on the positive!

Christmas, New Year’s Day, and the entire Holiday Season should be about more than mere “things.” Believing that another “thing” will make you happy will usually disappoint in the long run. So, here is a holiday happiness suggestion for you: Stop making up a list of things you “need” but don’t yet have. Instead, compile a list of things you already have that enrich your life. At the top of that list of “things” should be family, friends, your home, and an amazingly long list of memories that you have created over the years. I’ll bet you will be pleasantly surprised as you review this list of positives as to just how blessed you are in having so much that you can already be thankful for.

Now, as we enter the New Year and a new era of hope, we can start to focus in earnest on more positive things. The trips we planned, the gatherings we had wanted to have happen, and the many items that we shelved in the past have a real chance of happening this coming year. These are all things we can begin to plan for, and the planning stages are half the fun.

First and foremost, take advantage of where you are currently living. Get outside and enjoy the health benefits of fresh air and exercise. There are plenty of hiking trails, State Forests, and State Game Lands to explore. There is ice fishing and predator hunting to experience over the next few months, and before you realize it, trout season and spring gobbler hunting season will be upon us. Walking some of your favorite game trails and logging roads this time of year will allow you to read some important signs, like the tracks in the snow that reveal what wildlife is frequenting your hunting spots.

Have you been daydreaming about a distant hunting or fishing trip that was simply not doable because of government-mandated travel restrictions in the recent past? I have been talking to hunting and fishing outfitters in western states and in Canada who had a drastic reduction in their numbers of clients in 2020, and many still have a few openings for folks in the upcoming seasons. Most outfitters had waiting lists they could not fill because of COVID-19 restrictions, but not they are pretty well caught up and looking for new clients. Start making plans and make some phone calls now if you hope to get on a schedule this coming year.

Please note that the ever-popular Great American Outdoor Show at the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg is scheduled to run this coming year from February 4-12, 2023. Throughout the year on the East Coast, there simply is no better concentration of outfitters from the US, Canada, and around the world that you can talk with face to face about your plans. Additionally, there are hundreds of vendors you can speak with regarding the latest and greatest hunting, fishing, boating, and outdoor equipment available.

I sincerely hope you had a Memorable and Merry Christmas, and here’s wishing each of you a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous, and Adventuresome New Year!