Today I am reflecting on all I have experienced during this year, giving thanks for the lessons learned in the journey, and excited for the clarity the New Year promises. The car satellite radio is broadcasting a song from almost fifty years ago. With 2020 nearing, it seems fitting that the song playing is by a guy named Johnny Nash that goes:
“I can see clearly now the rain is gone
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s going to be a bright, bright
Bright, bright sunshiny day.
I can make it now the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is that rainbow I’ve been praying for
It’s going to be a bright, bright
Bright, bright sunshiny day.
Look all around, there’s nothing but blue skies
Look straight ahead, there’s nothing but blue skies.”
After all that time, the words are still relevant. It is indeed a bright, sunshiny day with crisp blue skies. It is a perfect day to adjust my focus! The words speak to positive attitude, overcoming negativity and obstacles, reevaluating one’s state of being, accepting what is and moving forward with purpose and deliberateness. What a great way to start preparing myself for a new year.
My dad once told me that it is a wasted day if you don’t learn something new. While making mental notes as I ease on down the road, I will take a few moments after I park to jot them down for reflection later this evening. I love to focus on new knowledge and insight before heading to bed. Staying aware and present in the moment helps me live with intention in all areas of my life.
The new 2020 Vision eight-week chapter program that was included in your chapter mailing and in TOPS News is a great tool for focusing on your weight loss journey! My chapter intends to use these weeks to laser in on making this the Year of the Healthy Member. Surely each of us can commit to such a positive start and make that effort to help and support each other. Visions of KOPS goals reached are dancing in my head as I contemplate the journey unfolding before us each day if we are willing to do the work to turn our wishes and dreams into realities. I can see clearly now that 2020 will be a magnificent year!
I Care, Barb
By Diane Myhre March 24, 2020
Good to read this on March 25, 2020 the snow is gone and the sun is shining. It seems like we are all in a new world with the covid 19 virus isolating us in physical ways. We can still go outside an walk. I saw a cardinal today and heard it sing! I was waiting to see one since it was a favorite bird of my mother Edna Deal. Let’s keep looking up and sing a new song.
By Trudy Harder January 22, 2020
I started our meeting with your Blog and once the song came on everyone sang and some danced. It was such a great way to start out 2020. Thank you for your inspiring words and articles.
By Becky January 20, 2020
I absolutely love the song “I can see clearly now” by Johnny Nash!
It has been my song of inspiration for years!
I have lost 20-25 pounds & striving to become a KOPS member!
This 2020 Vision was just what I needed!
Thank you Barb for all your words of wisdom!
Happy New Year!
Becky Achilles
By rosie t January 7, 2020
I keep recycling the same 20 pounds, I lost them the first years gain them back the second year and now beginning the third year with the same 20, to say the least I am frustrated and at times feel like just throwing in the towel. Any, suggestions, I exercise and watch what I eat most of the time. I truly want to break the cycle and more forward.
By CAT January 6, 2020
“Negativity and obstacles”…When life gives out “lemons” then make “lemonade” and the reason this saying is soooo TRUE!!! Appreciate the insight in all of your ***Moments***
By Barb January 2, 2020
Reassessing and reevaluating… instead of making resolutions
What can I delete? What can I defer? What can I delegate? What can I do?
By Jenilu December 25, 2019
Hello Barb,
All of your articles really touch and have helped me in so many ways. New year is approaching and I am really to buckle down and get down to business. Happy New Year. We love you. Stay safe
By Iola jasper December 24, 2019
Barb, That’s a great blog. Just great!
By debbie white December 24, 2019
Great advice
By Sarah December 24, 2019
Thanks Barb for the journey you took me on today. Christmas time is a difficult time. But memories of the good old days, and knowing I will continue on my journey and taking time to look around me and smile. Thanks for caring.
By Valerie Webb December 23, 2019
Wishing you a Merry Christmas & all the best in 2020.
I really enjoy getting my Monday fix from you.
TOPS pal Val.
By Barb Maas December 23, 2019
Great old song. The only thing I’m afraid of is being in a permanent state of starting over with a new focus as we move through time & Tops. New Year’s resolutions famously fail but that’s not a negative opinion .. it’s reality. In one sentence, you write of re-evaluating one’s self. I think that’s the secret rather than new resolutions. Know where you are in the present moment plus where you’ve been. Awareness vs resolutions. A season, a month, a new year shouldn’t matter … awareness & present moment living help me more regardless of calendar because I take who I am across time from week to week. Thank you for your focus with this.
By Sylvia Duncan December 23, 2019
Thank you, Barb. I love that song too. It is good to note those “moments of truth” when we realize what did (and did not) work in 2019.