Ending on a Good Note

We begin a new year with hope. An uplift in our mood that the New Year will bring good things into our lives. Usually it does. Even if shockers happen, travails and challenges pop up; we move on. We adjust.

Those happenings may seem ‘bad’ at the time but they are actually the seed of good things if we look at them in the right light. Challenges have a habit of helping us see the good things we took for granted. Tragedy provides perspective to the routine. Value comes from loss. Lots of counter-intuitive experiences provide lessons.

Here are some reflections on 2011:

• Gained a beautiful daughter in law
• Gained awareness that my son is alright in the world; his partner in life will provide the right balance he has needed
• Granddaughters are delightful; so different yet so seeking….
• Health is transitory; mine and others; not all bad
• Death is with us always; friends succumb to disease when least expected; others journey on valiantly only to be the eventual silent sojourner
• Bad weather is expected; but it does make the good weather sweeter!
• Family traditions give anchor to our rapidly changing lives
• Family interpersonal dynamics are mysterious; some gross; others wonderful, and everything in between!
• Travel allows a peek into ordinary lives in other cultures; that helps us live in our own diverse culture; or does it?
• Honesty with others builds the basis to communicate with them
• Honesty with self allows inner communication of value to form
• Growth is not automatic; it must be worked for
• Dogs really are man’s best friend. They work their magic with unconditional love
• A dirty carpet is not really so bad; the freedom of letting the stain be! Gad!
• Having one car does reorder your priorities; having more than one is convenient but doesn’t help with the job of thinking
• If you ask for help you often get it. In abundance!
• Hot weather makes me indolent, lazy; cold weather keeps me alert
• Feet hurt more when not used much
• Dirty cars are always with us; clean cars aren’t
• People want much the same thing I do; we just say it differently
• Attitudes improve with others around; not alone
• Bigotry exists whether I practice it or others do; pointing out theirs makes it mine
• Exclaiming on the failings of others is a waste of time; and injures me
• Inventing solutions to common problems is not a waste of time
• Struggling with the enigmas of life is proof we are living
• Asking a question is the first step to understanding
• Wisdom comes with pain and struggle; never with ease
• Peace occurs in moments; recognizing those moments is special
• Absorbing the peace, using it, gives growth; and more peace

Use your moments wisely.

December 26, 2011