Happy New Year my friends! It’s been an incredible year…..I can’t help but be reflective during this time and excited about what life will bring all of us in 2014. Today, I’m grateful to have lived another year, to have loved even greater, lived more passionately, shared more memories, and treasured those who have blessed my life.

May 2014 bring you good health, many happy memories with your loved ones, and most of all more soulful living. Here’s to the best year of our lives.

PS- I saw The Secret Life of Walter Mitty today and it was nothing short of incredible and is so very inspiring and encouraging everyone to not words go unsaid, take more risks, and not waste opportunities. Here’s the trailer http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0359950/.

Today was so cold that black ice has formed from the exhaust that freezes just after being emitted. I was so grateful to have driven home after rush hour and little traffic but also safely. Do you ever drive somewhere and feel so much anxiety that just getting to your destination safely brings you such joy. It does for me and maybe because I’m focused so much on gratitude that the little things make me happy. Or maybe it’s just the little things that make me happy. You know, we’ve all heard the saying….it’s the little things that brings the greatest joy. Today, that was definitely the case for me.

What little things bring you joy?

PS-do you make New Year’s resolutions? Have you begun thinking about what you’d like to change in 2014? I’d encourage you to think outside your box and consider how you can become a person who lives more soulfully.

Nothing makes you appreciate something until its (or someone) is gone…..take today and the frigid temps we’ve felt in MN. Between yesterday and today there was a 50 degree difference and boy could you feel it. It’s winter in MN and we are used to this fluctuation, although I’m not sure anyone loves the degree in which the cold drops down to. We are not expected to see higher temps for almost the next week. Until then, memories of hot summers will keep me going.

What keeps you going during challenging times?

The magic of Christmas is so powerful through a child’s eyes. Today, our family celebrated our yearly Christmas gathering and again enjoyed the tradition of brunch, gift exchange, dessert, and a funny gift game. Giving gifts that I know others will enjoy is something I really appreciate. Also, watching my family open gifts and knowing the fun they will experience is well worth the time and energy spent in preparing the gifts. I genuinely appreciate the efforts taken on my behalf for the gifts I’ve received. One of my favorite gifts I received this year was a book titled Gratitude (compiled by Dan Zadra). I love gifts that will bring me joy for an extended period of time and this is sure to offer that. It includes many heartfelt quotes that I will be sharing from time to time. Included is one of my favorites:

“The happiness of life is made up of little things-a smile, a helping hand, a caring heart, a word of praise, a moment of shared laughter. We are most alive when out hearts are conscious of our treasures.” Thornton Wilder

Having time off in the middle of a work week is always something I appreciate and this week is no exception. The variance in the schedule, ability to rest, and ahhhhh the reduction in holiday traffic makes returning to work after a holiday a less challenging experience. I desire to have more flexibility in my schedule and am investing now for a pay off later. This week’s part time schedule is what I seek in the future and what I will strive for.

What are you striving for?

Merry Christmas all and Happy Birthday to Jesus! Christmas is a wonderful time of year to once again appreciate our blessings and be reminded that God exists as a mighty force in our lives. Today, I’m eternally grateful for family, traditions, peace, and a break from the snow. Love abounds and I hope it continues to bring joy to everyone!

A Christmas prayer to end this glorious day:

A CHRISTMAS BLESSING
Wilda English,  n.d.

God grant you the light of Christmas,
which is faith;
the warmth of Christmas,
which is purity;
the righteousness of Christmas,
which is justice;
the belief in Christmas,
which is truth;
the all of Christmas,
which is Christ?.

What are you grateful for?

Friends and family play an important roles in our lives. The support, encouragement, and guidance help us develop into more mature, thoughtful, and hopefully considerate human beings. Today, I’m appreciative for advice-both given and received. It’s really important that we consider others’ opinions of our thoughts, actions, and behaviors as often they are necessary to keep us in check.

What advice have you give or received lately that was essential to you in your development?