As the new year approaches, individuals often reflect on personal growth and transformation. Deacon Keith G. Kondrich, a resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who is facing a terminal diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), has shared insightful resolutions for 2024 drawn from his 64 years of life experience. His recommendations emphasize the importance of shedding negativity, promoting kindness, and nurturing meaningful relationships.
Letting Go of Negativity
Kondrich’s first resolution centers on the notion of weight—both physical and emotional. He encourages individuals to “lose weight” by letting go of feelings such as envy, jealousy, and grudges. Instead, he advocates for the practice of gratitude, mercy, joy, and, most importantly, forgiveness. He believes that forgiving oneself and others can redefine one’s future, liberating individuals from the burdens of their past.
Promoting Compassion and Understanding
Kondrich addresses societal issues in his second resolution, urging people to “quit smoking” in a figurative sense. He suggests abandoning the “poisonous rhetoric” of hatred and discrimination based on nationality, gender, or sexual identity. By choosing to view every person as a sibling deserving of dignity and respect, individuals can foster a more compassionate community.
The third resolution calls for a rejection of divisive ideologies. Kondrich implores individuals to resist the “mind-numbing spirits of division” propagated by political figures and certain religious leaders. Instead, he invites everyone to embrace human kindness and to treat others as they wish to be treated. This approach encourages a celebration of human diversity, creativity, and imagination.
Finally, Kondrich emphasizes the need to reconsider spending habits—not just financially, but in terms of time and emotional investment. He advises curbing pursuits that are solely materialistic and instead, dedicating time to loved ones, especially those who may feel isolated or estranged. He believes that investing in relationships and acts of kindness will yield a sense of fulfillment as individuals reflect on their year in 2025.
In conclusion, Deacon Keith G. Kondrich offers a profound invitation to embrace kindness, forgiveness, and connection in the coming year. By adopting these resolutions, individuals can create a meaningful legacy of compassion and understanding. As 2024 unfolds, let us all strive to invest in the well-being of ourselves and those around us, fostering a brighter and more inclusive future.
