This year the month of January is marked with many celebrations, observances and symbols.
New Year’s Day and the Solemnity of Mary were both on Jan. 1. The Epiphany of the Lord was observed on Jan. 6, and Martin Luther King Day is Jan. 19.
According to the World Almanac, January celebrates Jump Out of Bed Month, National Mentoring Month and National Poverty in America Awareness Month.
Finally, there are two astrological signs in January: Capricorn, the goat (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) and Aquarius, the Water Bearer (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18).
During the first month of the year, many people make resolutions to achieve personal goals related to their health, their career or their finances. They may also commit to losing a bad habit, to cease procrastinating, to quit wasting time or to stop dwelling on their mistakes and starting over, a “do-over.”
If an opportunity to go back in time were possible, how would people change history?
If an older version of ourselves appeared before us to warn us or give us advice, would we listen?
“Asked on the Line” asked mainliners, “If you could go back in time, any time before your arrest, for only 30 seconds, to speak to your younger self, what would you say?”
Johnny Gomez said that he would tell his younger self, “Never take the easy way out. Hard work will take you farther in life.”
Ralph Cendejas said that he would say to himself, “Control your anger. Don’t be so angry. Don’t lose your temper. Be patient.”
Zakee Hutchinson would provide a directive to his younger self, “Stay in the military, and don’t get out!”
Richard Morris said that he would tell himself, “Wake up and understand that everything you say or do impacts everyone else. Don’t be rash, and consider things before you act.”
Joey Mason said that he would urge his younger self to, “Go to therapy and follow your heart. Chances are, if you follow your heart you won’t end up in prison.”
Shawn Perry said he would tell a young Shawn, “Don’t do drugs! Listen to your parents!”
Tim Thompson said that he would advise his younger self to “stay focused. Don’t believe the hype that ‘easier is better.’”
Orlando Harris said that he would tell his younger self, “You have choices. The choices you make are going to affect your future.”
Billy Terry said he would simply say to himself, “Listen to your boss. I would still have my job and not be in prison.”
Alexei Ruiz said that he would tell a young Alexei, “You are not alone. Your family loves you. You have people who love and care about you. Think about the consequences of what you’re doing.
Vincente Gomez said that he would tell himself, “Mirate a ti mismo y no sigas cometiendo mas errores.” [Look at yourself and stop making so many mistakes.]
Jesus Flores would say, “Hay muchas mujeres que estan interesadas en ti. No pierdas el tiempo con las que no te quieren.” [There are many women who are interested in you. Don’t waste time with those who don’t like you.]
