I Don't Like New Years

Have you noticed the fact that I absolutely hate New Years? Really, I do. I can't remember at any time I was happy about starting a new year. I'll be open with you; I'd rather be hit with a bus than start a year over again. It's never really meant anything good for me. Why would I want to repeat the new year when to me it seemed to be full of conflict and hurt?

It's even worse since I'm turning 18 next year, which means I'm gonna be given ahuge dump of responsibilities that I feel like I'm not ready for yet. What I going to do? People expect me to be sent away fortwo years as a missionary, but I don't want to do that. I don't know what I'll do if I choose not to go, so that's a problem in and of itself.

Sometimes I wish I could reset time. I should be happy I'm turning 18, but it seems like I'm doomed to suffering and grief, just like everyone tells me I'll feel.

I just...gah, I don't know. I just wasn'twhatever it is to stop.

 

It's a cultural/family thing. With the particular religion I'm a part of young men are not only told to but commanded to go on missions. The young women have a choice though, so it's not as messy if they decide not to go.

That and how my family and community would take it. My parents have told me that it's okay if I choose not to go on a mission as long as I've prayerfully considered. Although I don't think my relatives would like it all that much, and I don't want to make my parents look bad to them or to have us face ridicule for it.

That applies to my community too. What would it look like to them if I didn't go on a mission, even though I'm commanded to do it? To me I would know why, but they won't due to perspective.

...I'm sorry, I usually try to avoid talking about religion. I hope this answers the question.

 

I don't think I have those kind of rights, but thanks anyway. I think I should do the goal making though or, at least, make a plan for each scenario.

 

I don't know how other people do it. By the time they're 18 they've already got plans and want to go on the missions. Well, I guess they're more sure of what's going on.

Yeah, I hope so. A house divided against itself can't stand, so I'm hoping that never becomes a problem.

It doesn't help when people tell you it's some kind of duty if you don't do you'll be in big trouble. I should spend time remembering that it's just a new year i just a number.

Facing social ridicule, being a disappointment to my family, extended or close, being seen as a bad example to my younger siblings, facing potential damnation and the like...well, now that I'm looking at this I'm really thinking. I've faced ridicule for almost all my life, I've gotten my Eagle Scout rank so my family and siblings will have something to be proud of me in, all I have to worry about is the last one, I guess.

So things won't be too bad.

From the Rockies of good ol' USA. Though now that I think about it maybe I'm just projecting the attitude of a small group of people on a much larger group. Hm...

AYE AYE CAPTAIN!

 

Thanks guys. I've taken a moment to really think and I feel better now. For one thing I can just think about an answer and stick with it. I don't need to be looking for the approval of other people in all of my choices.

Plus, my bishop said the maximum age for going on missions is 27. I've got more than enough time to have an answer! No biggie.

Thank you all.

 

Ha ha ha, no, sorry.

 

That sounds a lot like this. I'm from North America and it's more of a religious thing. Though I imagine it isn't like going into a military force. That's crazy and pretty cool.

 

Thank you, everyone. I'm gonna do my best to be more positive.