New Year, New Theme

For the past two years, instead of making a New Year's resolution, I've picked a theme with a corresponding quote.

In 2015, the theme was peace.  I felt the quote became something of a mantra and helped to center me.  Success!

In 2016, the theme was do, as in the opposite of procrastinate.  It was a big one to tackle.  Not sure how well I did there, I'd say mixed reviews.  However, I give myself credit for trying.  Small progress.

In 2017, my theme is health.

"Fall in love with taking care of yourself.  Mind.  Body.  Spirit." -- Unknown

Good Quote

"Occasionally, weep deeply over the life you hoped would be.  Grieve the losses.  Then wash your face.  Trust God.  And embrace the life you have."--John Piper

Setting the Tone

After much reflection and searching on Pintrest, I have found my new mantra or inspiration.  It is from a motivational poster.

"Feels good to get some stuff done.  Yay!" -- MaryKate McDevitt

Some good words for the procrastinator in me to remember the good feelings of accomplishment and relief when the task or job is done.  I'm trying write more consistently in real-time on my blog.  I was satisfied with the number of entries last year, but I'd like to get out of the habit of back dating them.  :)

Resiliency

Good words from a friend that can apply to many situations in life...

"Getting knocked down can happen to anyone.  That's easy.  It's what you do to get back up that shows your real character."  --  C. Brann

Microblog Mondays

Kaleidoscope 2

Photo Credit:  H. Pellikka, March 2005, Link

"Life is like an ever-shifting kaleidoscope--a slight change, and all patterns alter." -- Sharon Salzberg

As of late, it seems best to follow my heart, to make the best decisions I can with what is known to me, and to go my own path.  It is a mindful balance of prioritization and living in the present.  Know that plans are just plans, and they will bend, evolve and change.  And for that which you cannot plan will somehow fall into place, that life has a way of making room and figuring it out as it comes.  One has to be brave to trust, and one has to be trusting to let go and see where it takes you.

Microblog Mondays

Freedom and Happiness

After reading a post from another blogger, I had to borrow her quote and put it here so that I can remember it.

"Freedom is the room to move in the harness."--Fred Holden riffing on Robert Frost.

Part of my response:  I have experienced freedom in different ways at various times in my life.  It seems freedom is about perspective and achieving the balance of acceptance of the limits or boundaries and appreciating the life you make within them.  Somewhere in there lays the secrets of happiness.

Looking Forward

Peace...

It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work.  It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.  --Unknown

I hope to find peace in 2015.

Wishing you the best in the New Year!

Microblog Mondays

Good Reminder

Read a microblog post that had a fantastic quote.  So, I'm borrowing it and putting it here so I can come back to it as needed.

"Be soft.  Do not let the world make you hard.  Do not let the pain make you hate.  Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness."--Kurt Vonnegut