Happy 2011

Ok, "anonymous" - you asked for it - a bit of wisdom to start off the New Year.  A thimbleful tops...

The new year couldn't have arrived too soon for my liking.  I was ready for 2010 to be over and better yet for it to become a distant memory.  Not exactly the best year of my life you might say. 

Thats the great thing about January.  We get the opportunity to make a fresh start.  We can build on our progress, reaching new and more rewarding places. Or, we can wipe the slate clean - discard all the "junk", bad habits and mistakes and start in a totally different dirtection.  A new year gives us a great reason to change, to improve, to re-build. 

Maybe thats why I was so eager for 2011 to arrive.  I wanted the opportunity of personal change, the hope of happier times, the enthusiasm for a better life.  Early January is such an optimistic time - and, like a dieter for sweets, I had a strong craving... for optimism. (hmmm, are those brownies I smell??)

Of course, for anything different to happen I'll have to make changes, likely some uncomfortable ones.  That means shaking off old habits and learning new responses to whatever obstacles and challenges I come up against.  I'm upbeat and hopeful these days, but I know that for this feeling to last I will have to take different actions than I have before.

This morning I heard the song, "Starry Night" by Chris August from his 2010 debut CD No Far Away.  It seemed obvious to me - the strength I need to break out of my old ways is based in the solid foundation of my faith.  All the other pieces of my life could be built up from there.

"I'm giving my life to the only son who was, and is and yet to come; to the only one who makes the moon reflect the sun; to the son who gave me hope when I had none.  Let the praises ring - He is everything."  With His love, strength and support I can accomplish anything: goals, changes, improvements - even resolutions.    ...and I'm thinking you can too.  Peace and Happy New Year!