Happy New Year...

Traditionally, New Year's Eve has always been a time for looking back at the past, and more importantly, moving forward to the coming year. It tends to be a time to reflect on the changes we want ... or need ... to make in our lives, and to resolve to follow through on those changes. 

Why wait until January 1st?

Every single moment of our lives offers us the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of others. It doesn't matter if this applies to people you already know, or to people you pass on the street. Something as simple as smiling at a passing stranger, saying thank you to the checkout gal at the register, taking a moment to tell the restaurant manager that your waiter was truly attentive - even the smallest of efforts can truly make a difference!

The top ten things people usually resolve to do are Spend More Time with Family & Friends; Exercise More; Lose Weight; Quit Smoking; Enjoy Life More; Quit Drinking; Get Out of Debt; Learn Something New; Help Others; and Get Organized.

Forget about waiting until the New Year to begin doing what needs to be done. Every moment you have in this life is precious! The more you share yourself with others, the richer, deeper and more fulfilling your own life will be! 

I've decided to start a blog of my own. Two things happened which sparked this idea in my head. The first was something that my parents told me when I called them on Christmas Day. Normally, the whole family meets up at Mom and Dad's house; this year, though, Mom and Dad decided they just wanted to be alone. They didn't even put up a tree!

So on Christmas Day, I called to wish them a Merry Christmas, Mom told me a story that had me all choked up.

She awoke Christmas morning and came down to find that Dad had put up and decorated a Christmas tree overnight. He bought the tree earlier, and hid it in the garage until after she was asleep. Then he dragged it into the house, set it up, put up the lights, and hung the decorations, all at about 3 AM.

That's love.

The second thing happened today, when a local gentleman, who lost the use of his legs while serving in the military, was on his way to the gym. His wheelchair skidded on some ice and he fell, sprawled into the street. No less that three cars pulled over, the drivers got out, and following his instructions, we gently lifted him back into his chair. He was fine; everybody high-fived; and then we all went on with our lives as usual. 

I wore a huge smile for the rest of the day ... not because of what I did, but because of what WE did. Neighbors, strangers, friends, pulling together, taking a few moments out of their busy days to stop and help, smile, laugh and go on with our daily routines.

I love that feeling. I love knowing that people are not just good - they are GREAT! You are GREAT! You are wonderful, loving human beings with the immense capacity for love, hope, and faith in your lives.

So my Blog project is this: for one year, I am going to post something wonderful I saw someone do. It could be something big, or small. Maybe it will involve a family member, or maybe not! I don't know what is in store, but I am sure this will be a wonderful adventure! 

I wish you all a Happy New Year, and all of the good things life has to offer in 2010!

Love,

Jo