Celebrating the Old and the New

Happy New Year!

Every year as I approach the New Year, I feel as though I'm an out-of-shape marathon runner crawling across the finish line.  I feel such a sense of relief to reach it.  I give myself permission to lay down the burden of all the "good enough," "oh, well," and "oops" moments that have accumulated over the year.  I face the New Year hopefully, believing it will be different this time... somehow.

Well, this year will be different.  Because I'm going to try something new.  I've decided to end the year gently.  Before I celebrate the New Year, I am taking the time to celebrate the old one first.  Here are the things I am contemplating today.

• What have been your personal or business achievements this year?
• What new products, courses, websites, sales strategies, etc have you created or implemented this year?
• What events or training did you attend?
• What books have you read?
• Did you increase your income or pay off some debts?
• Did you move or upgrade anything in your life, home, or business?
• What charitable causes did you support?
  
• Did you make new friends? Or reconnect with an old one?
  
• Did you forgive someone or patch up an disagreement?
  
• Did you exercise or try a new sport?
  
• Did you invest in your marriage or your relationships with your kids?
  
• Did you travel anywhere?
  
• Did you do kind things for yourself for your own self care?
  
• Did you try anything outside your comfort zone?

My resolutions can wait for a day.

What were your greatest accomplishments last year?

Giving Thanks

A friend of mine shared this poem with me, and I had to pass it along.  Housework is never-ending and can get wearisome.  I loved the different perspective this gives.

Thank You Lord!
Thursday, 18 March 2010 08:07 | Written by Unknown | | |

Lord, thank you for this sink of dirty dishes;
We have plenty of food to eat.
Thank you for this pile of dirty, stinky laundry;
We have plenty of nice clothes to wear.
And I would like to thank you, Lord, for those unmade beds;
They were so warm and comfortable last night.
I know that many have no bed.
My thanks to you, Lord, for this bathroom,
Complete with all the splattered mirrors, soggy, grimy towels and dirty lavatory;
They are so convenient.
Thank you for this finger-smudged refrigerator that needs defrosting so badly;
It has served us faithfully for many years.
It is full of cold drinks and enough leftovers for two or three meals.
Thank you, Lord, for this oven that absolutely must be cleaned today.
It has baked so many things over the years.
The whole family is grateful for that tall grass that needs mowing,
The lawn that needs raking;
We all enjoy the yard.
Thank you, Lord, even for that slamming screen door.
My kids are healthy and able to run and play.
Lord, the presence of all these chores awaiting me says
You have richly blessed my family.
I shall do them cheerfully and I shall do them gratefully.

Housework Rules

And, might I add, since I'm a Super Mom, I think I'll teach my children to help with those chores and appreciate the blessings, as well.