I’ve been working on my list of goals for this year and timelines to accomplish them. Some are ongoing so it only means scheduling the time to work on them.
Two of my goals are writing projects. The first one is finishing book two in the Little One series. The other is my blog for this year. There are other goals on my list, but right now I want to talk about the blog goal.
I decided to have a particular theme to write about this year and hope that most of my readers will participate.
It has been a tough three years for millions in this country. I have been attending networking meetings and see people who are strained under the weight of trying to find a job and all the ripple effects of being out of work for a long time. They are stressed with feelings of guilt, anxiety, sadness; some become depressed.
A growing issue is the number of suicides committed, for a variety of reasons …depression caused by many things such as bullying, feelings of rejection and not being loved; loss of jobs, homes, unable to feed family and self. This has become an epidemic.
This is the time to turn things around for the better by being grateful for the blessings, and finding the JOYS in our lives.
It is important for us to take time out from the job search, the other busy stuff we do and spend QUIET QUALITY time with God, to allow his peace to wash over us. In order to do this, we need to turn off the TV, radio, our phones, and especially the computer. Many of us spend too much time on emails. Just walking away from the computer is of no use, because subconsciously we’re listening for that sound which tells us “You’ve Got Mail.” 🙂 We need to take quality time; time to rest, to do something good for ourselves. A couple times a day, take 15-20 minutes to get quiet and relax every part of your being. You will be amazed how much better your day will be for doing this.
We need to get in the habit of each day remembering things we are grateful for…
Today, I am grateful for another day to thank God for his blessings of a roof over my head, the ability to pay my bills and feed myself, for the beautiful sunshine, for my health, hearing my brother’s voice on the phone.
WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL FOR?
And, take the time to make a list of those things which bring you JOY.
After my first book was published I read the book “Shine ~A powerful 4-step plan for becoming a star in anything you do” by Larry Thompson. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_tc_2_0?rh=i%3Astripbooks%2Ck%3ALarry+Thompson&keywords=Larry+Thompson&ie=UTF8&qid=1325808516&sr=1-2-ent&field-contributor_id=B001HMRPLC In the book he suggests writing a list of things we’ve done, accomplished, and/or experienced. You may think you won’t remember much, but once you get started the memories keep coming. It is surprising how many good things have happened in our lives…some may be huge, and some may be small simple things. But all the same, these are things to remember when we don’t feel so good about ourselves or our circumstances. It is good to write them down and put the list on the refrigerator, or your bathroom mirror, any place you look at everyday to remind yourself.
As a start, a few of my special JOYS are:
My Brother
Spending time with friends
Writing
And, being by the river and waterfall, listening to the sound of water at my favorite resting spot along the Reedy River in Greenville, SC 🙂
WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY?
Let us share what brings us joy, what we are grateful for, and our attitudes will be positive. It will help us to remember other things that make us happy when we share.
Join me for a year of GRATITUDE, ATTITUDE, AND JOY.
Subscribe to this blog so you will receive new posts, and remember when you leave a comment to check the little box for getting an email when new comments to that post are posted.
I look forward to seeing you here and hearing from you.
Ann – I’m grateful for your inspiring post.
My husband and I go through the alphabet each evening and name something that starts with each letter that we’re grateful for.
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Thank you Laurie. I sure does help us to think about even the small things to be grateful for…I’m grateful for the many buyers who are looking at mother’s house in Michigan, the phone call from a friend today, and so much more.
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Ann,
I am thank for the ability to read, understand and have a job. The comforts of a loving family and friends are always an added plus. God has blessed me in so many ways, I thank him everyday for his many blessings. I’m grateful for my loving sister who started the NoCZ that has so many people thinking about how they want to change for the new year!
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Hello Anne and welcome to my blog. I am thankful for your response, and for the wonderful blessings you are grateful for.
I hope you will continue to stop by, check out my other posts and if moved to leave a comment.
Wishing you a blessed 2012.
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You provide much to reflect upon, Ann. Thank you. I wish you love, peace, and blessings… …Regis
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I am glad when something I write gives others pause for reflection, encouragement, inspiration, joy, a smile, even tears if need be.
Thanks for your wishes Regis.
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Great reminder – you can’t look up and down at the same time; while focusing on gratitude it is difficult to focus on what is not going right.
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Welcome readytochangenow 🙂 Thanks for leaving a comment. I hope you will find other writings you will like on my blog.
I would welcome you as a follower so you will be notified when I add a post.
I wish you a blessed new year.
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Ann,
I’m just happy to be alive, and to have wonderful friends like you!
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Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Yes everyday is a blessing, with a day full of blessings we take for granted. I try to remember them, but often forget to say thanks. Friends, in my book are the best blessings.
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[…] 2012 Goals to a New and Better Year (amarquette333.wordpress.com) […]
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I just returned to my home office after enjoying the sunshine and “early spring” flowers and plants in my garden. Thank you for sharing this, Ann. I will subscribe so you can continue to remind me of what really matters.
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Thank you Tricia for stopping by, leaving a comment and subscribing 🙂 I appreciate all my subscribers and comments.
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