A New End

 I hear someone say, “Today, I will make a new start!”  On will-power, they may do so, in part because of embarrassment at a loss, health issues, shame or guilt.  They have good intentions, but soon, all too soon, they are back into old behavior.  Someone gave me good advice.  It was to comprehend a new end.  On a blotted ego I can maybe make a new start.  It has no long term to it.  It is self-driven.  But to think about a new end, way down the road, seems more daunting.  A new end I cannot do alone.  I need help.  I am well-practiced in old behavior and can easily repeat it.  But new behavior that will last the long haul requires a power I do not have, and this is why I call it spiritual.  Think of someone who says they are going to get into good physical shape by running, which they have rarely done.  They can do it for today and maybe tomorrow, but then it is back to old behavior on the couch.  But think of a new end. A marathon run of 26.2 miles.  That gets you out there on the trails on a regular basis and maybe you need some running buddies to help you along.  I could use some running buddies.  None at the monastery.