Welcome to 2020 – A brand new year and the beginning of a new decade. Wow! Sadly, we start in a position of stress due to the world becoming ever more divisive every day. It has become risky to voice opinion in fear of disagreements resulting in more than just an exchange of words. We cannot control the actions of others, but you can control yours. Let’s kick-off 2020 as a period of optimism, healing and rejuvenation – all much needed as we struggle to cope with the current chaos and work to shift it to a more positive tone. It is a time for new beginnings, enthusiasm, mindfulness and gratitude.
This year my newsletter theme will be based on one of my father’s favorite “Bob-isms” which is, Cast Bread Upon the Water and it Comes Back Chocolate Cake. Namely, how can I help you find your unique perspective and purpose (while I search for mine) in order to make a positive difference in the world. Together, let’s actually BE the change and not simply talk about it. As the Talmud states, “He who saves a single life, saves the entire world.”
Together, let’s have meaningful conversations. I will share what’s on my mind and hope that if so inclined, you will share what is on yours. You can do so by posting right here on my blog where others are free to chime in and perhaps some interesting dialogue will ensue. If you wish to receive future newsletters, please sign up on my website – it’s FREE and they only come out once per month.
To begin, today, as I do every day, I count my blessings. I am definitely one of the luckiest people I know. Yes, we do make our own luck, but some things are out of our control. And for those things, I am lucky! My life is filled with goodness and grace. My mission is to share that with others through compassion, kindness, gratitude and forgiveness. When life gets overwhelming, honestly, I do struggle with the gratitude and forgiveness parts and that’s only natural. What’s important is to keep in mind that where we struggle, we learn and grow – hopefully becoming a better version of ourselves.
For this month I challenge you take a few moments out of each and every day to count your blessings. Take note of that for which you are grateful and see if you can pay it forward to influence someone else for the positive. Together, let’s learn to set aside self-judgment (not so easy), truly believe we are “enough” (definitely a challenge) and help others do the same through encouragement and empathy.
Every day, for 3+ years, I make sure to note at least three things that I am grateful for about that day. When you try to see the “good” in what you perceive as a “bad” day, it really helps you to see each day as the blessing it is.
Thank you for your comment Donna. You set a great example of how to shift your perspective to the positive, even in a difficult circumstance.