Election – We Are In This Thing Together

All my life, I have been an optimist – a glass half full, sunshine and roses, balance and harmony kind of girl.  My sights are usually set on the positive, anything can happen, watch for the miracles side of a situation.  I truly believe that people are inherently good and want to do the right thing.

But once in a while, we are faced with situations where it may be hard to see the sunshine through the rain.  I have seen my share of hard times.  There are moments I wish I could take back, things I wish I could have changed and challenges where I managed to come out stronger on the other side.  Somehow, the sun continues to shine and my glass remains half full.  One piece that has helped pull me through each situation is having others to lean on, a sense of family and a confidence in knowing that there will always be someone there to catch me when I fall. 

Some days may seem scary and impossible – like you’re in a no-win situation.  Some may see the recent election and inauguration as an example, while some others may disagree.  But regardless of our opinions, our rights, our race or our wealth, we need to have each others’ backs.  Right or wrong, good or bad, Republican or Democrat, we are all Americans and we are in this thing together.  

Trust is always very important.  Sometimes, despite the way a situation may look on the surface, we need to trust that people have good intentions and are doing what they feel to be right.  We all make mistakes and sometimes our emotions may be our own worst enemy.  We have to trust each other; trust our leaders, our spouses, our children, and ourselves.  Trust in God.

That’s not to say that we don’t need to stand up for what we believe in.  We definitely do!  It is important to do what we can to remain in control of our own futures, our relationships, our communities and our country.  We may march for a cause we believe in, stand up for ourselves and our children, fight for or end a relationship or leave a dead-end job.  Whatever the situation, we all have an obligation to both ourselves and those we love to strive to make our world a better place.  But let’s do it with grace and dignity – let’s not tear each other down in the process.   

Life is short!  There is no promise of tomorrow … so we must do what we can today.  Trust that there is good in others and good in the world.  Take a stand to make a change, and then trust in the process and find peace.  We are here for each other.  Now let go and let God!

New Years Resolutions - Moving Mountains One Pebble at a Time

In the early morning hours of December 31, 2016, with both of my grown children tucked safely in the shelter of our home, my heart is content with the way the year has come to a close.  Nearby, the Christmas tree that we decorated just weeks ago still shimmers amid an array of traditional decorations.  In the peace of the morning, I glance at the brightly lit star adorning the top of the tree.  I have yet to understand how it came to light up one morning last week after it had stubbornly refused to work when my husband plugged it in a few days before.  It has been shining continuously ever since. 

With just a few hours left of 2016, I have been spending my morning reflecting on the past year with gratitude and considering my resolutions for the year ahead.  Have you made your New Year’s resolutions yet?

Through my thoughts, I am reminded of my original intent in starting this blog five years ago.  My intent was to use my love of writing to share my own story, personal goals and bucket list adventures in hopes that others may find some inspiration.  Perhaps I have managed to help someone in the world be a little bit happier or achieve the goals on their bucket list.  (I invite you to revisit the entries and pages of the blog that were written in earlier years).  Each year, it seems I have written less and less and saved my entries for what I felt were more "post worthy" thoughts.  As one of my goals for 2017, I have decided to come full circle and attempt to post more often once again.

With that said, my New Year’s resolutions cannot begin without first taking the time to be grateful for the moments lived in 2016.  I have so much to be thankful for - and so do you!  As I stated years ago, gratitude is essential in choosing to be happy and continuing to find your inner joy.  We all have something to be thankful for - the opportunity to see what today has in store, the memory of days or years gone by, and the hope for a brighter tomorrow.  It may be something as simple as a sunrise, a hot cup of coffee or a good hair day.  Even if 2016 was a challenging year, you can at least be thankful that the struggle is over.  Perhaps you made progress on your resolutions.  If not, maybe you learned something from the lack of progress on your previous ideas.  

I didn't achieve ALL my resolutions, but that is okay.  I did make a great deal of progress on many of my goals, and as a family we had fun on new bucket list adventures.  I also left a few goals untouched and took steps both forward and backward in some areas - but I haven't thrown in the towel!      

 

As I review and create my new list of resolutions and goals for 2017, I realize that many of the them are the same or at least similar to last year.  This is the reason many people give up on their resolutions each year or find the whole process to be too cliché -- but I don't see it that way.  I see it as reinforcement that the same things are still important after all these years and I am still focusing on the things that matter to me.

Just because it is a new year does not mean that you have to start all over with a whole new set of resolutions.  Last year’s resolutions can simply be refreshed, refocused and adjusted for the coming year. Be sure to make the resolutions obtainable.   Perhaps you had a lofty goal last year to lose a great deal of weight but only lost a few pounds.  The goal wasn't a total failure – perhaps you learned what doesn’t work for you and you will just have more work to do this year.  Perhaps you did achieve your goal – congratulations!  Now it is time to refocus.  Always remember that larger goals can be broken down into smaller, obtainable action plans to achieve each week, each month or throughout the whole year.  Be sure to take a moment to evaluate your progress periodically as well.  There is no reason you can’t completely revise a goal partway through the year - but don't give up entirely.   

So as 2017 is about to drop in with a year full of new opportunities, please join me in starting the New Year off right.  Let’s start (or continue) that exercise program.  Drink more water.  Call up an old friend.  Plan a bucket list adventure, weekend away or staycation at home.  Focus on your children, your spouse and yourself.  Read a book, write a book, take a class.  Allow yourself to grieve over last year's tough times and let go of last year's failures.   We don't have to move mountains in 2017, let’s just gather the pebbles one step at a time.  

Are you with me?