As 2020 came to an end and 2021 began, people around the globe looked forward to a new year, one that would hopefully be less terrible than that which just ended. Then, on January 6th, the U.S. capitol was attacked and overrun by so-called “patriots” and the hopeful spirit that always accompanies the new year was dashed in an instant. “2021 had a good run, here’s to 2022.” some said. Or, “Well, that was fun. Here’s to 2022.” Or a multitude of others all expressing the same sentiment: now that something bad has happened, it looks like 2021 is going to be another crappy year.

While most of these (hopefully) were said in jest, I can’t help but think some people really do feel that way; they think the swiftness with which misfortune struck in 2021 portends another year of unrelenting misfortune, and they have resigned themselves to whatever horrors the new year will bring (a truly cheery sentiment). For these people, I imagine 2021 really will be a rather terrible year.

The attack on the U.S. capitol was indeed a horrible event, but it was by no means oracular (that’d be like getting your fortune told by a redneck who looks at Trump’s Twitter and randomly chooses a tweet). The course of a year isn’t determined by it’s first days, and the import of a year can only be determined in its last ones. Until then it is full of potential, and we decide how and when that potential is realized.

In the Book of Mormon we read that there are things to act and there are things to be acted upon (2 Nephi 2:14). When we look at an event like the storming of the U.S. capitol and think “Well this year is going to suck,” We’re allowing ourselves to be acted upon rather than acting for ourselves. When we confidently start a new day and then let a 5-minute interaction with the worst person in the world (or maybe even just someone annoying) ruin the remaining hours, we’re allowing ourselves to be acted upon rather than acting for ourselves. Success is achieved only after we take control and become men and women of action.

One of the many interesting aspects of the ancient (and often modern) world is the veneration given to fortune-tellers, augurs, soothsayers, and oracles. Ancient Eurasian people developed palm reading, African peoples have used basket or metallurgical divination, and Ancient Greeks used several different forms of augury. Even today astrological symbols, crystal balls, and tarot cards are revered by many in western culture. While many of these traditions are religious (and I’m not here to disparage anyone’s religious beliefs), it seems many people use these practices as ways to absolve themselves of responsibility; they let the daily horoscope determine their life, or the fortune-teller down on main street, or the 10-day weather forecast. In perhaps one of the most delightful examples (and one I could see myself getting behind now), Ancient Romans would regularly consult the sacred chickens to determine the correct course of action.

Flippantly allowing external forces to determine the course and quality of life is foolishness (especially if that external force is a flock of chickens). Tragedies may transpire and disasters may deter, but to give up hope at the first sign of trouble is cowardice. Life is, undoubtedly, difficult, and some days we will be beaten and bruised, but still we must rise. We alone determine our course in life and our attitude toward it. Like William Ernest Henley, we are the masters of our fate and the captains of our soul.

2021 will only be a terrible year if you allow it to be. Today will only be a good day if you make it so. Take responsibility and take control. Don’t give into inertia. If you really want to know how your day, your week, your month, or even your year will go, ask yourself what you’re going to make of it. Otherwise, go talk to some chickens.

• Uncategorized