With 2007 almost over and 2008 fast approaching, it’s about time to reflect on what we’ve done and what has happened. It’s time to review whether we’ve met our goals or whether we’ve significantly missed our targets so we can reprogram our plans for next year. It’s also time to realize that we’re getting older soon.
I’m sure, 2007 has brought positive changes and countless upheavals to many people. Regardless of results however, thankfulness remains the proper attitude in the face of a new year.
How can we end the year with our hearts full of gratitude?
Celebrate your Successes
Celebrate your successes. I know. We have the tendency to be modest and to disregard our accomplishments for the past year. True, we have the tendency to ignore our contributions at work and in the community.
We have these tendencies because we assume successes and accomplishments as something “big” such as being in the “Top Ten” or receiving community awards. But success also refers to the small yet positive daily contributions we provide to our families and communities. If you pick up a trash, that’s a success. If you give sweet smiles to people you meet, that’s a success. If you wash the dishes without your wife scolding you to do so, you’ve accomplished something.
You may disagree with me but think about this. Is the world better off without these daily contributions, though small they may seem?
Appreciate your daily efforts in making things better for everyone including yourself. Successes don’t have to be big to be celebrated. In fact, it’s the small accomplishments of many unknown, unrecognized people that have the biggest impact.
Also, appreciate the networks that help you achieve your goals. Thank your friends, your colleagues, your associations and affiliations that put you to where you are now.
Gain Wisdom from your Challenges
As human beings, we face challenges, hassles, distractions, and major problems almost daily. One unsolved problem can result in more complicated ones. For instance, poor health creates caregiving and financial issues. How did you face them? What have you learned from them?
As one famous author has said, facing the challenge already solves 50% of it. This means that avoiding the issue only worsens the situation. This means that facing the problem provides us the creativity and resources to find the necessary solutions.
What wisdom have you gained from these hardships and trials? What steps have you taken to address them? What resources have you used to find solutions?
Welcome these aggravations as they’re part of growing up. Act right away and establish the necessary steps to deal with these issues. I can guarantee you that you’ll end up wiser and kinder after the dust settles.
Practice Daily Gratitude
Count your blessings. Every day gives us the opportunity to enjoy what life has to offer — that fine, cotton-like snow that touches your forehead; the full moon that brightens the city’s landscape in a cold, winter night; your daughter’s energy and excitement as she opens the door to greet you; your friend’s calls late at night to just say hello.
Have you made lemonade out of a lemon? Or have you just complained and been part of the problem?
Thank people for reminding you who you really are. It’s true. Some bring out the best in you. Associate with these positive people often. Talk with them and absorb as much inspiration you can draw from such encounter. For those people who trigger emotional turmoil inside you, be glad that they’re trying to be themselves. In fact, thank them for letting you know who you’re not. But dissociate from them as far away as possible. You deserve to be free from any unnecessary aggravations.
I want to thank publicly many people for the wonderful year: my patients whose courage in the face of illness has always inspired me; my dedicated health care colleagues who’ve put in the hard work and long hours to keep people healthy. And yet you’ve never lost your smile; I deeply appreciate all Newfoundlanders whose kindness and sense of humor have always warmed our hearts.
I want to acknowledge and appreciate my trusted friends who’ve always been around regardless of circumstances; my parents and immediate relatives who have given much love, affirmation, and happiness; my wonderful wife and children for being energy boosters and never-ending sources of joy. I’m glad you’ve endured my snores; and above all, our Heavenly Father for everything — especially for giving us the wisdom to be thankful!
Let 2008 be a year of new beginnings. Happy New Year!
About the Author:
Dr. Michael G. Rayel — author, game inventor, and psychiatrist — has created the Oikos Game Series to promote emotional health. Since 2005, he has published Positive News Media as an online source of inspiring news. Suggest a topic at www.oikosglobal.com or mrayel@soardime.com.