NEW YEARS'S RESOLUTIONS WORTH KEEPING

 I guess any good New Year's Resolution is worth keeping.   

But the question is will we?

Year after year many people make New Year's Resolutions they do not keep.  So what exactly is the problem?  And what exactly is the point?

Does making a resolution make us feel better about another year having passed without accomplishing things we wished we had?  If so, does guilt then make us repeatedly do the ritual of resolutions?

Guilt is a wasted emotion, left by itself to accomplish nothing but self wallowing.  However, if it does propel us forward to do things better, then it has served its purpose and we should then let it go.  Statistically most New Year's Resolutions never come to fruition even if born out of guilt. 

So how do we succeed at our New Year's Resolutions?

First, I think it is important to focus less on the final outcome of our New Year's Resolution and to focus more on the steps towards it.

For example, don't think so much about losing 10 pounds but think more about the various steps you will take to achieve your resolution.

Secondly, it is important to be realistic in your strategy to achieve your New Year's Resolution.

Continuing on the Weight Loss theme....By this I mean, don't think that you will succeed at losing those 10 pounds by suddenly making yourself exercise for 3 hours every day and never eating any food you crave again.  Realistic goals, however, are achievable with focus and discipline.

So what does all this have to do with Gratitude?

Let me think.

Just kidding.

I'm grateful that the goodness in each of us makes us want to do better as we start a New Year!

Give Thanks! (and Happy New Year)

CHRISTMAS GIFTS OF GADGETS & GIZMOS

Christmas is over and many of us will have received at least one gift that is a gadget or gizmo to keep us up to speed with our technology driven society.

The older generation thinks we have robbed our children of creativity and imagination with all the electronic games and cell phones and more.  Not to mention the feared health hazards from them.  They wish the "good old days" of Lego, dolls and train sets would return.

But times have changed and kids need to be changing with them.  Learning technology from a young age only means they will not be technologically illiterate when they are older.  It will be the tech savy children that will likely find more opportunity in their future.

After all, look how quickly things have changed.  I'm not that old but I remember when there were no cell phones, no microwaves and no internet.   The first digital cellular phones came out in the early 1990's and they did not look anything like what we have today.  As for the microwave, it was first introduced in 1955 but only became popular in the mid 1970's.  And the internet, well it did not start until 1982, after I graduated from high school.

Now kids have laptops in the classroom and the blackboard is often replaced by a computer screen.  Technology has allowed learning to be more interactive and less boring then the lectures I listened to in school.

So don't criticize technology.  It is continuously developing.  If we don't keep up with it, we will be left behind.

Well at our house, the Christmas Wish List included the best new cellphone on the market.  In order to prevent debate or argument, I will refrain from naming which one it is.  Another gadget received was a Pocket Sized Camera with Android capabilities.  What will they think of next?

Also, some gizmos that were not electronic were on the gift list.  One was the +Buddy Rider, a great Canadian invention that attaches to your bicycle to transport your small dog with you on a bike ride.  Another gizmo found under our Christmas tree was for chronic back pain.  It is +Dr. Ho's Decompression Inflatable Belt.  It wraps around the low back and when inflated with air, traction is applied to the vertebrae.

So I am thankful for technology!  I enjoy the convenience of a cellphone, the speed of a microwave and the endless resource of the internet.

I am also thankful for the invention of gizmos and gadgets that make bike rides more fun and back pain less intense.

So what gift are you thankful for?

Give Thanks!

THE BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT

The news yesterday reported that the best Christmas shopping deals this year, were waiting for those who waited till the last minute.  But they also announced that there was only one problem....with all the snow blizzards and ice storms across the country, many can't get out to do the shopping....OOPS!

Well, don't worry because the Best Christmas Gift is not bought in a store!

The best gift is the Baby Jesus in the manger given to all of us so long ago.  "Immanuel", God is with us.  God came down to earth as a baby, so that we could know God and His love for us through His Son, Jesus.

Later Jesus became, not the best gift under the tree but rather the best gift on the tree, where He died for the sins of the world.

Now Jesus is the best gift in the hearts of all who believe in Him and love Him.

I am grateful that I personally know the Best Christmas Gift!

Give Thanks!

WHITE CHRISTMAS, GREEN CHRISTMAS OR PERFECT CHRISTMAS?

Why Do People Dream Of A White Christmas?

And why did Bing Crosby sound so sad when he sang about it?  And why is it considered the "ideal" Christmas when most of the U.S never experiences it?  

Our Christmas songs speak of "dashing through the snow" and "walking in a winter wonderland" and making the all time Christmas wish of "let it snow, let it snow, let it snow".

Did you know that every year in England and Ireland many wagers are made on whether it will be a White Christmas or not?  So what is defined as a White Christmas anyway?  How do you know if you won the bet?  Does there  have to be a blanket of snow on the ground or do sparse flakes floating from the sky that melt on touchdown meet the official definition?

As per usual, most of Canada will have a White Christmas this year.  I, however, live where the smartest people in Canada live and where we seldom experience a White Christmas.  Not only will there be no snow, we also have beaches and palm trees.  No, unfortunately, it is not a tropical island. But it is an island and it has beautiful green grass, even at Christmas.

However, the green grass we have certainly does not make it a Green Christmas.  Nope, because a Green Christmas refers to an Eco-Friendly Christmas.  That's right, it's about buying "organic" Christmas trees instead of plastic artificial ones.  And putting up fewer Christmas lights to save energy (so much for the competitive streets of Christmas light displays).  Making your own gifts, cards and decorations is another requirement.  Plus to have a Green Christmas, you must not waste wrapping paper and better yet, use environmentally friendly wrapping paper.  Ugh!

Sorry to offend all the "tree huggers" out there, but I grew up dreaming of a Green Christmas and Eco-Friendly was not what I had in mind.  (I do practice eco-friendliness the rest of the year though.)

So, now I dream of a Perfect Christmas.  What is that you say?  Well it isn't White because I have an incredible dislike for snow and it isn't Green because Eco-Friendly is not my middle name.  

Christmas should be sunny with surf and sand......then it's a Perfect Christmas!

Well, according to the weather man, I will not see much sun this Christmas but I am grateful that my Christmas will not be white!

Here's hoping you get the White, Green or Perfect Christmas you are dreaming of this year.

Give Thanks!

CHRISTMAS IS COMING, THE GOOSE IS GETTING FAT

  Photo Credit:  Tim Carillet @ Compfight cc

My dear, sweet Grandmother used to quote an old Christmas Song/Nursery Rhyme around the Christmas season that I have never forgotten.  The author of the words is unknown and the music was written in the late 19th century.  In later years, Harry Belafonte sang this song, as did John Denver with the Muppets.  The words are as follows:

                                   Christmas is coming
                                   The goose is getting fat
                                   Please put a penny in the old man's hat
                                   If you haven't a penny
                                   A half penny will do
                                   If you haven't a half penny
                                   Then God bless you!

Anyway, this cute little song, talks about the goose getting fat, but every year I find myself and many others getting fat in preparation for Christmas too.  There are Christmas parties, Christmas potlucks, Christmas baking, not to mention chocolates of every kind and flavor to taste test.

The Festive Christmas Dinner has not even arrived and we have put on the pounds.  Like many, I love to eat.   But as I get older, it is harder for my metabolism to keep up with my consumption.  Not a recipe for weight loss, that's for sure! 

This poem is obviously to remind us that in our affluence, we need to remember the poor.  The less fortunate in our society find Christmas extremely difficult.  Especially as they try to provide for their children.

Thankfully, there are Toy Drives, Food Banks and Soup Kitchens by the +Salvation Army and many other fine organizations to help those in need.  None the less, there will be children in our country who, once again, do not have presents and nutritious food at Christmas time.

So this is one of those times of the year that we can easily put our gratitude into action.

It's not hard.

• Donate a toy to the toy drive.  
• Put some money in the +Salvation Army Christmas kettle.  
• Help out at a Soup Kitchen serving Christmas dinner to the poor in your city.  
• Take Christmas Baking to neighbors or shut-ins who are less fortunate.  
• You can even purchase a "goat" for a family in a third world country for Christmas through organizations like +World Vision.  
• And involve your children in these acts of kindness so that giving becomes the meaning and message of Christmas learned by all.  

After all, Christmas did start with the greatest gift of all mankind....the birth of the Christ Child!  The Saviour of the World!  We are Celebrating God's Precious Gift to Us!

My dear, sweet Grandmother (I affectionately called her "Grams") lived through The Great Depression.  She never knew affluence but lived comfortably in her mind.  She had a heart full of gratitude for her many blessings.  She also knew how to give to others out of what little she had.  She knew the truth, that it is more blessed to give then to receive! (Acts 20:35)

Give Thanks!

THE LONELINESS OF BEING ALONE!

"Two Is Better Than One" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

But What If One Is All You Have?

 

                                                             Photo Credit:  Africa Studio via Compfight cc.

Someone close to me is feeling lonely today.

I was nearly 34 years old when I walked down the aisle on my wedding day.   So, I have experienced my share of loneliness.

For some they experience it later in life.  After divorce.  After death. 

For others, they experience it most days of their lives.  When labelled by the crowd as an outcast.   When they socially choose to be alone out of fear.  When they are so self absorbed that nothing attracts them to another.  When poor health isolates them from the world.

Most of us have experienced loneliness, at least for brief moments of our lives.  The rare few, I suspect, purposefully choose to be alone and cherish the company of only themselves.

But we are a people meant to be in relationships.  And we are a "broken" people which inevitably results in broken relationships.  So we will each experience loneliness.

SO MUCH GLOOM!  SNAP OUT OF IT!  LIFE GOES ON!

Sure the pain is real.  It can't be denied.  Nor should it be skipped.  Experience it, learn from it and then move on.

Life is too short to sulk.  Look for the sun on the horizon and start running.

People are everywhere.  We don't have to be alone.  In this huge world, why are so many people feeling lonely?

The solutions for loneliness are as unique as the individual feeling alone.  If you can't get out, then search the internet for compatible groups to socialize with.  If you can get out, then the opportunities abound.  Join a club.  Volunteer.  Help out a neighbour.

Just don't sit around waiting for friendship to come to you.  Get out there and give friendship to someone else.

Whoever you hold close to your heart today...... spouse, child, friend......you are not alone.

So, Give Thanks!

ETERNAL OPTIMIST OR OUT OF TOUCH WITH REALITY

             

We all know someone in our life who sees the brighter side of every situation!  




 
You know, the one that just keeps saying "It's All Good" even when they have been laid off from work, they're sick on their wedding day or the power is out on the coldest day of the year? (Need to live in Canada for this one)

Well I know that person is certainly not me!  But I truly envy those who can always be so positive and not complain.  In fact, I try to surround myself with these people hoping some of their optimism will rub off on me. 

But there are also those who would just label these people as "Out of Touch with Reality".   Because, let's face it, a positive attitude is one thing, but what is good about being unemployed?

Well, the good is not in being unemployed, obviously!  But the optimism is what get's you employed again.  So the good is the optimism itself.

You see, these people are unable to be negative about anything.  As a result, they
are the one's who accomplish so much more in life and are so much happier as well.

This is what I and many others need more of.  This is why, I love to have these positive thinking people in my life because my personal DNA is full of pessimism and negativity which I fight to overcome.

So "Thanks" to all my eternally optimistic friends and family!  You help me feel the warmth of the sun on even a cloudy day!

Give Thanks!

DOGS MAKE GOOD TEACHERS

Have you ever realized that our dogs set wonderful life examples for us?

Just think about it.  There are several important things that they do right on a daily basis.

If you know me, then you know I love dogs!  I simply cannot imagine my life to ever be without them.

Today I thought I would share with  you what I learn every day from my dogs (the gorgeous 2 pictured above) and why I am eternally grateful for them!

1. Start each day with a good stretch.  Dogs are so smart that they know how important this is to do each morning to get your body ready for the day ahead.
2. When you see someone you love, greet them with a big smile.  So simple, yet important if you want to let your friends and family always know they are loved and special to you.
3. Enjoy a carefree walk.  If we make time for this each day, not only are we getting some needed exercise but also some needed balance in our lives by taking a break from our busy schedule.
4. Stop and smell the flowers.  (or another dog's poop perhaps - yuck!)  A dog's keen sense of smell never misses a thing.  We need to take time to enjoy and appreciate everything around us.
5. Naps are good.  A 10 or 20 minute power nap actually does invigorate us to carry on with our busy day.  I know this from personal experience and so do my dogs.
6. Get excited about the little things in life, like car rides.  I need to be more exuberant about the everyday events and gifts of life.
7. Always Show Loyalty and Unconditional Love!  Dogs have these traits perfected.  We can all learn from their stellar example.
8. Be grateful for all the treats you are given.  Recognize the daily "treats" you are given and Give Thanks!

LAWS THAT MAKE YOU LAUGH

     

 

  
  Everybody needs a laugh!   

In fact laughter is proven to be beneficial to our well being!

·           It strengths our immunity

·           Releases muscle tension

·           Decreases pain

·           Prevents heart disease by improving blood flow

·           Relieves stress

·           Releases chemicals from our brain that make us happy.

So who doesn’t need a good laugh?

I love to laugh and I am even a little notorious for my laugh because of its unique “cackling”            sound.  (Unfortunately, I do not know of a relative that I can place a genetic blame on.)

Well I wanted to share with you some unusual and truly laughable laws in the U.S.A., to improve your health and happiness today.

In Texas:

•    It is illegal to take more than three sips of beer at a time while standing. 
•    It is illegal to shoot a buffalo from the second story of a hotel.  
•    In Austin, wire cutters cannot be carried in your pocket.

In Oklahoma:

•    It is illegal to wear your boots to bed. 
•    A person is not allowed to take a bite out of another person’s hamburger.
•    Women are forbidden from doing their own hair without being licensed by the state.
•    In Oklahoma City you cannot walk backwards downtown while eating a hamburger.
•    In Tulsa, you may not open a soda bottle without the supervision of a licensed engineer.

On Rhode Island:

•     No one may bite off another person's leg. 
•     It is considered an offense to throw pickle juice on a trolley.
•     In Providence RI, you may not sell toothpaste and a toothbrush to the same customer on a Sunday.           

So after I laugh at these absurd laws, I then remember to be thankful that I live in Canada where I am allowed to walk backwards while eating a hamburger.  Because everybody needs to do that from time to time, right?

Yes, I am feeling more relaxed, less stressed and happier already.  How about you?

Give Thanks!

WHEN WHAT YOU THINK WON'T HAPPEN, HAPPENS

December 2, 2013

                                          Photo Credit:  Gerald Bernard via Compfight cc


So I listened to the voice mail on my phone and then returned the phone call that I had missed.

I had already previously spoken with Customer Service at this establishment to voice my complaints and request a complete refund but to no avail.  Well now they wanted to talk some more, so I obliged.

The person who had left the message was not in today so I spoke to someone else who quickly became apprised of my situation by reviewing all the documentation of previous phone calls.

I quickly replayed my complaint and dissatisfaction with the company's response to  my situation.  This in turn refueled the feelings of disappointment and frustration that I had felt from the get go of this ongoing saga.

I had recently hoped to visit a very close friend on her death bed and made arrangements for a flight to see her.  She, however, died very quickly so I cancelled the flight and asked the company for a refund based on the cancellation insurance I had purchased that was quoted as 100%. 

The girl on the phone today had a genuine, caring voice and empathized with my situation.  However, I still felt nothing good would prevail by rehashing the details all over again.  Nothing more then putting salt on the wounds of grief and frustration one more time.

She ended the conversation with words of confidence and assurance that she would be making some phone calls and the outcome would be in my favor.  She promised to get back to me in 2 days with an answer.  As I listened to her confidence, I was still in disbelief wondering how she figured she could change a situation that even her Supervisors had not yet corrected?

She called me back within the hour and as I greeted her once again, I was still filled with hopelessness.  But she broke through my despair and with exuberance told me she had obtained a complete refund of my costs and even my insurance fee!

I couldn't believe it!  If she was standing in front of me, I would have hugged her despite her being a complete stranger.

And it wasn't that I needed the refund so much.  It wasn't even so much the principle of the whole thing.  The joy that I felt was primarily because I had no hope of a feasible resolution and then what appeared to be impossible actually occurred!

So I thank God today for something I never expected.  Something I did not really need.  Something I never asked Him for, but something He graciously provided in spite of my hopeless self!

Give Thanks!

I LOVE VACATIONS!

NEVER ENOUGH GRATITUDE!                                                                        December 1, 2013

Vacations!  What a perfect way to start a Blog on Gratitude.

I just returned from a vacation in paradise!  We all have a different idea of what the "perfect vacation" is but for me it is Surf, Sun and Sand!  What works better at relieving stress then listening to crashing waves on a beach while feeling the warmth of the hot sun on your skin and walking on soft sand that  creeps up between your toes?

I suppose some would say a history trip to ancient Rome or tasting authentic French Cuisine in Paris or maybe a Wine Tour in the Napa Valley.  Perhaps even scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef.  Some who don't like to travel would just want a week at home of peace and quiet with no responsibilities and a good book.  Or the avid fisherman is content to find more time to spend alone with his pole waiting to catch the "big one". 

Whatever it is we seek as the ultimate escape from the rat race of our society and the pressures we inevitably place upon ourselves, this is our vacation.  And this is what we periodically must find time for.  And this is what stirs up an overwhelming sense of gratitude once we get there.   Because when we are there, our bodies quickly relax, our minds find peace and our spirits rejoice.

Thank you God for rejuvenating vacations!

Even if you have not just returned from a vacation like me, you can still be grateful today for all the vacations you have been blessed with in the past.

Give Thanks!