New Year Zeal

“The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul and a new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes. Unless a particular man made New Year resolutions, he would make no resolutions. Unless a man starts afresh about things, he will certainly do nothing effective.”
― G.K. Chesterton
I feel pretty good. We survived the whole 12-21-12 thing (which I didn't get to mention because I missed posting last week, you know, because it was Christmas Eve), I am enjoying a break from the usual routine and spending lots of time with my family. And I am so looking forward to the New Year. A new beginning, full of resolutions, promises and plans for life improvement. It's hard to know where to begin. I know from past experience that resolutions are little more than good intentions and have an average life span of 1 - 21 days. Still, no harm can come from reaching for the stars. Every passing year, every ambition lifts me closer to the heavens. The Plan is in full swing, and I can't wait to see what 2013 has in store. If it brings as much joy and abundance as 2012, it will be fantastic. How many steps nearer will I be to my dreams? Leaps and bounds beyond the uncertainty and trepidation of years past. With gratitude for the gifts I have been given (that you are to be counted among), I receive with open arms the gifts to come.

Wax On, Wax Off

What is going on? I am surrounded by family and friends who are suffering deep anguish by means of various personal circumstances. The intricate mechanics of our hearts require the gentlest of handling. But, how can I support the people I love so much with compassion and sympathy while I know full well that their pain stems from lies? We have accepted false assumptions about our conditions and immersed ourselves in an illusion of imperfection. I and my peers are wholly emotionally invested in the happiness and well-being of our children and family members. We are certain catastrophe is moments away unless we intervene. False, fraudulent, don't buy it, no way. The Truth is, the Plan is good. We are not perfect, but God is. Adversity is education, whether it is your lesson or theirs (often times, it is both). If only I could channel my inner Mr. Miyagi. Find the appropriate tools and stand back while my 'student' learns what to do with them. I am actually panic-stricken as I write this. The last thing I want is to shrug off problems that are very real to the people I care most about. Moments of doubt are inevitable in the course of our existence, but an abiding awareness of God's perfect plan ensures an abundance of peace, and even joy.  

The Perfect Gift

It's that time of year again, -the time for celebrating the sacred birth of Jesus, gathering together with family and friends, and holding close the spirit of joy, peace, and love. It is also the time for frantic preparation, shopping for gifts, putting up decorations, sending cards, and juggling activities. No complaints here though. I am old enough to keep it all in perspective and I no longer hold myself to any unrealistic expectations to do 'it all'. I did come to a sad realization however, while I was brainstorming gift ideas. As much as I love and cherish each and every person on my list, I'm just not sure what they want. I know I'm not alone, and it is the age-old dilemma that makes us all question the sanity of exchanging gifts with someone, gifts that neither person really wants. The practical solution is gift cards or even cash, but that appears impersonal. I love the saying "it's the thought that counts". It kind of means 'it didn't cost a lot of money', and/or 'it was a good effort that just fell short'. If it were truly the thought that counted, most of us would receive treasure beyond measure on Christmas morning. Unfortunately, we rack our brains and then end up settling on a gift because time runs out. The best gift anyone can receive is one that lets us know the giver really knows us. So, why not give an Outpouring of Love? A letter, photo, or song that has personal meaning, connects you and can be held close or easily accessed, will be cherished for a lifetime. It's just a thought.

It's Not Just a Dream

5 Simple Steps To Following Your Passion: (an amalgam of ideas shamelessly plagiarized from various brilliant authors and humbly offered for your benefit and mine)

1. What do you love? The things that get you really worked up and excited are calling you to take action. No matter how simple or complex, big issues or trivial pursuits, if it gets your heart pumping, then set your mind on it. I guarantee that you will touch people and change lives when your heart is on fire.

2. Set a long term goal. Envision the life you would live if money was no option. How would you spend your day? Where would you live? Include as many details as possible.

3. Set a short term goal. Take one small step toward your long term goal. Give yourself a time limit and a reward for completing your goal. When complete, repeat the process with a new short term goal.

4. Establish an affirmative routine. It could be any regularly scheduled interval (daily, weekly, etc...) and by the means you find most effective. One example is writing down an affirmation, "I am a professionally published writer" and posting it on your bathroom mirror to look at and repeat each morning.

5. Keep trying! Understand that success is not determined by the ease of your accomplishment. Failure is our biggest learning opportunity and the barriers you encounter should never be construed as an indication that you are not meant to succeed.

Your passion is God's purpose for you. It's your highest calling and should not be ignored or postponed. Following a dream is the most unselfish thing you can do. Your life will be fuller than you can imagine and the peace and happiness it brings to you will be contagious.