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Welcome to December!
It's hard to believe that another year is coming to a close. As we find ourselves immersed in the holiday season, the pace of life seems to accelerate as the end of the year draws near.
It's an exciting time, but it can also be stressful and overwhelming at times. Remembering to take time to enjoy what really matters becomes increasingly important at times like these.
Striking the right balance is key. Being realistic about what you can do while maintaining that balance is a challenge.
My holiday wish for you is that you create your holiday season in a way that most feeds your soul.
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~ Inspiration for the Path ~
"The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook." ~ William James The question for each man to settle is not what he would do if he had means, time, influence and educational advantages; the question is what he will do with the things he has." ~ Hamilton Wright Mabie
"A wise man will make more opportunities than he finds." ~ Francis Bacon
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Review Your Year
Get Ready for 2010 by Looking Back
Can you believe it? 2009 is almost complete! Where does the time go?
As the year winds down, it's time to take stock of all that has happened, and plan for the coming new year. We can learn from the past and use it to build a better tomorrow. We all have that opportunity. In order to learn from the past, we have to be willing to look at what has gone on. That includes the good, the 'bad' and the 'ugly.'
I do a 'year review' at the end of each year. It is the first step in the goal setting process that I do every New Years Day. I've been doing this for 20 years, and I swear it has played a huge role in the way my life has unfolded.
In my year review process, I make a list of all that has transpired in the previous year. I include:
- accomplishments
- projects I have completed or made progress on
- goals reached
- challenges that I lived through/overcame
- relationships that I strengthened or let go of
- gifts that I gave and received
- unexpected blessings
- anything that I feel is worthy of making note of
My list is always many pages long.
Inevitably I am reminded of just how much 'life' I've lived through the year. Sometimes we get so busy that we don't realize how much we've actually done, accomplished and experienced. Doing a review helps us 'claim' our experiences as our own and acknowledge ourselves for what we've done.
Even if it's been a tough year, as 2009 has been for many of us, there is a feeling of satisfaction in looking back to see all that has unfolded! I feel pride in what I've endured and overcome, and joy in the pleasures that visited me during the year.
It's a great way to prepare for the coming new year. We can aim for more of what we liked in the outgoing year, and we can seek to eliminate some of what wasn't so pleasant!
Take the time to review 2009! It will help you launch a 2010 to be excited about! | |
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Inspired Path® Living Blog
Each week day, I use my blog to share my thoughts and spiritual perspective on this thing called life.
Here's what one reader recently shared with me:
"Nola, just a note to let you know how much I've been enjoying your blog each day! I love and relate to so many of them! Your writings give me something special to read and consider each day, and I make it a point to start out with that before I hit the daily job search. I find the stories and lessons stay with me, long after I've read them. Thank you for what you do!" I invite you to check it out: www.inspiredpath.blogspot.com | |
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Inspirational Song
The Lost Get Found
Britt Nicole
Music is a huge part of my personal and spiritual growth process. I use music every single day for motivation, inspiration, and as a tonic when I need comfort and encouragement.
This song goes perfectly with my movie choice for this month. It reminds us all that one of our greatest responsibilities (and gifts) is to help each other through this crazy adventure called life.
Here is an excerpt from the song lyrics:
So when you get the chance,
are you gonna take it?
There's a really big world at your fingertips
And you know you have the chance to change it
There's a girl on the streets, she's cryin'
There's a man whose faith is dyin',
love is callin' you
Don't let your lights go down
Don't let your fire burn out
'Cause somewhere
Somebody needs a reason to believe
Why don't you rise up now?
Don't be afraid to stand out
That's how the lost get found
The lost get found
You can listen to the song on Youtube at this link:
The Lost Get Found ~ Britt Nicole |
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Nola's Movie Pick
THE BLIND SIDE
Movies are one of my favorite ways to relax and inspire myself! Many movies have profound messages for us, embedded within the stories they tell.
The Blind Side is officially my new favorite movie! This true story is guaranteed to warm your heart and inspire you to realize that you can make a difference in this world of ours!
It is the story of Michael Oher, a homeless, African American teenager who is befriended and taken in by an affluent, white family, in Memphis Tennessee. Michael comes from "Hurt Village" - a rough inner city neighborhood, where his mother, a drug addict, is unable to care for him. Through the kindness of the Tuohy family and their extended community, his life's trajectory is completely turned around.
Leigh Anne Tuohy becomes aware of Michael's plight, and what starts out as a simple gesture, (allowing Michael to sleep on their couch for the night), turns into a labor of immense love. The Tuohy's make Michael a part of their family, with all that it implies. They help him utilize his special athletic abilities to become a sought after football player.
Don't overlook the role of "Big Tony" in this story. He's the man who gets Michael a place in the private school where the Tuohy's become aware of him. It's important to recognize his contribution, and to remind ourselves that even if we can't completely solve a problem, we can do our part!
Run, don't walk to the nearest theatre and see this movie! It's a great one for teenaged kids to see as well!
The world could certainly use more people like the Tuohy's and all those who contributed to the tremendous turn around for this young man.
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Enjoy the remaining days of 2009! Appreciate each one. This year will never come again.
For all that was good - give thanks.
For all that was difficult - acknowledge yourself for making it through.
Celebrate all that it was and make way for the new.
Happy Holidays! |
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Nola Drazdoff
Inspired Path, Inc. |
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