Aerial View was WFMU’s first regularly-scheduled phone-in talk show. Hosted by Chris T. and on the air since 1989, the show features topical conversation, interviews and many trips down the rabbit hole. Until further notice, Aerial View is only available as a podcast, available every Tuesday morning. Subscribe to the newsletter “See You Next Tuesday!” and find tons of archives at aerialview.me. (Visit homepage.)

January 6, 2015: That's so 2014!

The start of a new year always fills you with trepidation. All those days, hours, minutes stretching out before you. Who can help but feel the pressure to use the time wisely? What is worse than "wasting time"?

"You're wasting time!"

"We've wasted too much time!"

"Stop wasting time!"

You feel you wasted much time in 2014. It wasn't a bad year, overall. There were some personal and professional triumphs. But still: there's this nagging sense that you didn't do enough to get to where you'd like to be.

Do you know where that is?

You spend so much time chasing a goal and when you reach it your inner voice asks "Is that all there is?" You question the need for constant betterment, for "goal setting". You have no idea why you can't just be content as you are. The new year rolls around and you're supposed to "resolve" to stop doing this, to start doing that. So you can be a better you. The you you are isn't good enough, apparently.

You say the words "personal growth" to yourself and all you can think of is a carbunkle. Or a tumor.

Fuck personal growth. The only resolutions to be made this year are these:

1) Help others.

2) Declutter.

These resolutions presuppose that A) you're already helping yourself and B) you have too much stuff.

Self-improvement is wonderful. But when are you realized?

Tonight, I'll be asking about what kind of year 2014 was and your hopes for 2015. What were the things that sustained you through the year just ended? How do you plan to improve yourself in the year ahead? We're looking forward and back on Aerial View. Call 201-209-9368 to join in.

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