If I had to use a quote to sum up 2016 it would definitely be from Charles Dickens:
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us..
I’m sure you will concede this was no ordinary year; it was challenging and yet fulfilling on so many levels.
And here we are… still standing… hopefully stronger and wiser.
But…
It’s bound to end on a high note.
Have a delightful Christmas punctuated with loads of love, laughter and memories to treasure for a lifetime.
Here’s to a promising and gratifying 2017. (Picture credit: Jarryd Kast in Busan)
Life happens and all you can do is be authentically YOU.
The truth, no matter how harsh or painful does indeed set one free.
Things like honesty, integrity and courage are rare traits but still alive (especially in the corporate world).
Circumstances, people’s opinions, and mistakes do not define YOU.
Clichéd as it sounds YOU are stronger and more resilient than any curveball that comes your way.
Having standards and refusing to settle is perfectly fine; YOU are the son or daughter of a King and deserve only the best.
Nothing is more liberating than breaking free from toxic, small-minded, negative Nancy/Neil types.
YOU have a direct line to God and YOU know what He says about your life, future. DON’T you dare (not for one minute) allow anyone to talk you out of changing direction or second guess what you know to be the Divine truth for your purpose driven life… keep your eyes and ears fixed to your Father’s voice, guidance.
The biggest lesson for me was accepting that I am more than enough; that the people who are meant to be and want to be in my life will stick like glue and others will disappear into the ether.
As you get ready to latch on to all that 2016 has in store, my prayer is that you will always choose: authenticity, love, kindness, empathy, peace. That your faith plus His grace and increased discernment will propel you to heights never imagined; and that your hearts desires will be fulfilled.
There are moments in life when we all feel like throwing in the towel; whether it’s work, a relationship, a project and even ministry. And not because we are weak but because the load just appears to be super heavy and we feel like we need some breathing space.
But, have you noticed that it’s at those times that some wonderful person will cross your path, and with just one word, they will give you that extra nudge to keep moving along purposefully.
This year, I’m super thankful for the many Divine connections, that were sent my way at the right time.
I am able to keep going through unmerited grace plus the selflessness of these wonderful men and women.
I’m sure you too can identify a guardian angel or two that saved the day or was the voice of reason 🙂
Or, maybe you’ve been the one to make a difference and help someone keep going.
I’ve said it before and will say it again, no person is an island… we all need each other.
This week especially, be generous… not necessarily with money but with your time and talent.
Here’s the challenge: will you choose to make at least one person smile this Christmas?!
A very dear friend sent me this poem earlier today.
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
For a New Beginning
by John O’Donohue
In out-of-the-way places of the heart,
Where your thoughts never think to wander,
This beginning has been quietly forming,
Waiting until you were ready to emerge.
For a long time it has watched your desire,
Feeling the emptiness growing inside you,
Noticing how you willed yourself on,
Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.
It watched you play with the seduction of safety
And the gray promises that sameness whispered,
Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent,
Wondered would you always live like this.
Then the delight, when your courage kindled,
And out you stepped onto new ground,
Your eyes young again with energy and dream,
A path of plenitude opening before you.
Though your destination is not yet clear
You can trust the promise of this opening;
Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning
That is at one with your life’s desire.
Awaken your spirit to adventure;
Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk;
Soon you will be home in a new rhythm,
For your soul senses the world that awaits you.
Thank heavens for the various options we have at our disposal, especially when cabin fever starts to set in.
Inasmuch as I love my bedroom, being confined to it for four days can get much. Even if the doctor’s orders included “no work, just take your meds and sleep it off”; boredom inevitably kicked in.
I kept my end of the bargain about no work and haven’t logged in since Sunday. That is a accomplishment
**pats self on the back**
But, once the meds wore off I needed a distraction. So, I watched some of my favourites from Brené Brown and thought you might enjoy them:
Gaynor Kast Blog 