The holidays and the year 2016 are rapidly coming to an end. As I sit and look back at all the things that have happened, I find myself wondering if I could have worked a bit harder to achieve some of the goals that I didn’t quite reach during the year. The answer is, “Yes, there are many times when I could have made a better effort!” So my next question naturally is, “If I could have, then why didn’t I?” For me, the answer seems to be that I work harder the more I care. When I care more, I give a little more time, a little more effort, a little more energy, and a little more love to the things and people I care about.
A few months ago, I read a book by H.A. Klauser titled Write It Down, Make It Happen. In it, she suggested that writing things helps us identify what we want and intend to happen. This isn’t a “to do” list that I may feel guilty about if I don’t complete it. It is simply a way to clear my head and look at what I am doing and if it matches what I care most about. This is a good time of the year to take inventory, sort things out, look at them realistically and simplify. During the few days remaining in the year, I am going to jot things down and set aside time on New Year’s Day to look things over. Without judging myself or labeling any choices or actions, I am just going to devote the week to taking note of how I go through each day. I have a pen and a notepad on the counter.
Each day this week, I will take a moment to write down what I eat, to scribble down when I am physically active… even a trip to the mall to return things or shop a sale! I will note phone calls, emails, cards and visits that connect me more with people I love and are important in my life. I’ll log the chores, jobs, and tasks I do. No censorship… just recording. When the week is over, I want to look at the list of things that filled my days. I think rather than give myself a long list of “do’s” and “do not’s”, I will ask myself what I truly want and then consider what best leads toward achieving that desire.
I believe that each of us has the ability to steer ourselves in the direction of living our best lives if we know where our definition of “best life” lies. It is just that we seem to be so filled with “doing” that we forget about enjoying the journey as an ever changing process that leads us to a “note-worthy” goal of our choosing. I intend to live my very best life this year, and I am writing that down. Join me in the journey!
I care, Barb
By Rebecaa Achilles January 5, 2017
I just made that promise to myself when I came across your Year End message! I need to get on track & take my health seriously! I have not been using my TOPS program like I should! So ever tho 2017 is already under way! It is never too late to get going! Thanks for the inspiring words!
By Barb Cady January 8, 2017
You are so right, Rebecca! Keep me posted on how you are doing!
I Care, Barb
By Mary B. McHugh December 31, 2016
Thank you, Barb! Happy New Year! I will continue to live my very best life this year, 2017. Here’s hoping you, too, will have your very best year ever.
Love and Hugs,
Mary
By Teri Boyd December 30, 2016
Thank you Barb! Happy New Year! I’ll be sharing this with my chapter next week (didn’t see it before I went to our meeting last night.) This is written on the front of my Journal for 2017 as I too intend to live my very best life this coming year!
I do so care and Hugs too!
Teri
By Barb Cady December 31, 2016
Wishing all of you a fabulous start to your best year!!
By Beverly Ramsdell December 29, 2016
Thank you Barb, for the timely epistle. Will read this tonight to TOPS group with reminder that next week begins a new year and a new beginning again. Hope you have a fabulous year!
By Barb Cady December 29, 2016
Enjoy your discussion tonight. I look forwarded to reading the book your chapter will be writing in the new year!!
Hugs, Barb