One Image, One Resolution on the Eve of a New Year

Edward M. Bury, APR

Dec 31

Looking west across the Wolf River toward the humble community of Fremont, Wisconsin during the early evening hours on a late September day.

By Edward M. Bury, APR, MA (aka The PRDude)

The dregs of a stubborn cold has made this holiday season one that kept me from celebrating as I have in the past. Plans to take in the beauty and majesty of Christmastime in and around Chicago were dashed in favor of staying close to home.

So, with no big plans to usher in the year ahead, how to spend these remaining hours of 2023? Well, draft a quick post, of course!

This submission has two simple components.

The image above taken on a fishing trip to the central Wisconsin hamlet of Fremont is the most memorable of the year about to pass. As a youngster, my family frequently would spend summer vacations in Fremont, fishing in the Wolf River, swimming in nearby Partridge Lake, and just enjoying a week away from Chicago. The town, aside from a recently-built garish establishment along Wolf River Drive, looks pretty much the same. And, the Wolf River -- a truly natural and still wild waterway -- has retained its character and beauty. (For the record, this space has referenced the Wolf River in the past, most notably this 2020 post, where I found solace in the sound of a carillon.) What's not depicted in this photo were the swarms of birds, perhaps one hundred or more, flying in some kind of formation, then flying away. It's this kind of simple act of nature and observation that resonated with me that September day while fishing off a dock across from town.
Exactly one year ago today, I published this post with three "resolutions" to pursue in 2023. For the record, I kind of fulfilled them all! For 2024, I do plan to focus on the concept of being, well, resolute in as many actions and decisions as possible. Looking back on my life and career as a "modern strategic communicator," there were too many times I succumbed to pressure and intimidation -- from people I worked with and people I just interacted with. That ain't happening anymore. For clarification, I do not plan to denigrate into a jerk; but in the year ahead and beyond, I will remain steadfast in my beliefs and my actions.

Hey, drafting this post has proven to be therapeutic. I'm off for a short walk while there's still some daylight left in the year winding down. A Happy New Year to all.