You Say Goodbye, I Say Hello

So it's time to reflect, once again. While the last few hours of 2011 wind down, many television shows count down the most memorable moments, sights, sounds, and stories of the year while people come together to toast to a new year, a new beginning. We often take time to look back on the tragedies that have touched so many over the past year, we look at saddening and moving images which are yelling more than 1,000 words out to us as we look in disbelief. It was a year of terrible weather, natural disasters, and history in the making, and it's these events that usually make the headlines during year-end reflections. It's easier, as it is with many things in life, to look at the negative, to look back on these disasters and sad times. However, we can turn some of the bad and sad into good when we reflect and remember those we have lost; their pictures of happier days bringing warm memories back to us. A year seems to go by very quickly, and it's refreshing to look back on favorite memories with our favorite people.

Why is New Year's Eve the time of the year that we try to change who we are? We set goals, make resolutions, and focus on the positive. Shouldn't we wake up every morning and practice gratitude? Shouldn't we realize every day that we need to be healthy, stay healthy, think positively, and help others? It's not just at the end of one year and the start of a new one that we refocus this attention. If it gets some people going and if resolutions really do motivate them throughout the year, time and time again, then that's great. That means the person is dedicated and driven. But for the 78% of people who fail at keeping up with their resolutions, the challenge is less important. Many daily tasks and stressors in our lives take over and we forget about ourselves. Maybe the reminder should be to focus, to realize everyday how lucky we are no matter how bad things get. In the passing of an acquaintance just a few weeks ago, reality set in. Her positive words strike the heart and it takes a sad reality check to focus again on the positive. Allyson once wrote, "Appreciate the people around you who love you, kind people, appreciate the beauty in the world, my new favorite- rose bushes, a nice gentle breeze, the mountains, the diversity everywhere. Appreciate the things you have, whether it is a job, the ability to walk, to see, to smell, to feel hungry, to feel ‘normal’. At night, I try to think of at least three things I'm grateful for that day- and I truly think that it helps when I wake up… I wake up and I smile and I say thank you. Thank you for another day."

These words come across so strong and become so meaningful each and every time I read them. It's these bits of reality that allow us to focus on what's really important in life- no matter what day of the year it is. I begin and end my day, everyday, saying thank you. It allows me to be closer to myself by really taking the time to think about where I have been each day, what the good things are that I have. I have taught myself to always find the positive. Of course we are allowed rough days, we will be grumpy from time to time, and things won't always go our way. We hit unexpected events, road blocks, and detours. Somehow though, it's the inner strength we each have that allows us to swerve and move around the rough spots. It helps to seek beauty in everything we do, to be grateful for everything we have, and to spread love wherever we go.

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma, which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition." -Steve Jobs

I am a true sucker for anything motivational, for anything that will silence me for the time being while I replay it in my mind and try to comprehend what I've heard. I like to think deeply, I like to talk life. I picked this quote to ponder for the moment since it made me stop, reread, think, and act. These words were spoken by a role model, a brilliant man who made a giant impact on technology and the way our lives are now. A man who lost his life this past year, but who will always be remembered. 

So, in watching all the countdowns this evening, in remembering all the positives and negatives of yet another year for the books, it is time to focus on what's important, follow our hearts and our own intuition. Always say thank you, smile, and practice gratitude. Keep an open mind to all challenges and in thinking positively, positive things will happen. 

Cheers to a healthy and happy new year. Hello 2012!