31.12.13

End of Year Review: Lessons Learned In 2013

"We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time." T. S. Eliot

A Lesson Above all - Grace. Photo of man saying grace before a meal by Eric Enstrom

It's always a good idea to take some time to reflect on the ending year before a new one begins.  Even if you're the "charge ahead" type, a redux or review gives us some clarity on what worked and where we need to show more effort. There is an Ibo (West African) saying: "He who does not know where he is going must, at least, know where he is coming from." So looking back before moving forward is imperative. Each year, I have 12 gifts/themes I share with my readers and they serve as areas of focus for me too.  I'll take a jaunt down the path to each one and highlight a lesson or two learned from each in 2013.  I invite you to contemplate the 12 gifts below; they can be used as daily affirmations or as committed prayer themes for the chosen month. 

As we wrap up 2013, I send everyone blessings for a grace filled 2014. In my book,  everything we do begins with and is supported by God's Grace and People's Grace.  When others are rooting for us, we feel their love and support; their loving thoughts propel us forward and help us succeed. I'll review six lessons learned here and the remaining six below the page break. Join me and share your experience of these themes.

♥ Health - Staying healthy is key to achieving everything else. 2013 was fraught with health worries; mine and others. Rest, Schedule check ups, Trust your inner wisdom, 2nd opinions count, Exercise, Meditation and a positive mental attitude = positive results.

♥ Happiness -  The well-worn cliche that happiness is an inside job is TRUE. When times are tough, find nuggets of joy and cherish them. Reach out to people who make you laugh and find laughter in your circumstances... Remember: All conditions are not permanent.

♥ Hope - Without hope, we perish. Last year, a number of people I knew left loved ones behind after taking their own lives. Be a beacon of hope to others and reach out to/for help. Believe things will change one day, and they will. Take one step at a time.

♥ Abundance -  This comes in many forms; mainly as inner and outer wealth. However, the best miracle of an abundant life is being satisfied with what we already have in social and human currency.  Appreciate it and share your gratitude.

♥ Grace - God's grace and people's grace mingled with our own is a powerful combination in difficult times. Accept help and pay it forward.

♥ PEACE & Love - If we are at peace, even momentarily, it paves the way for more acts of compassion and love. Peace is also removing ourselves from toxic situations, quieting the raging dialogue in our heads, and embracing change. Keep it Simple.

More Below!


"All serious daring starts from within." Eudora Welty

Another Lesson is Wisdom. Photo of  Cherubs Truth and Wisdom Assisting In Writing History by Jacob de Wit 1754


♥ Wisdom -
We all know folk who are smart but have no commonsense. Pray for wisdom and guidance in all things and trust the still, small voice within. Moderation and forgiveness are equally important.

♥ Friendship - Make friends with yourself first. Stay in touch with friends and family; especially those we know care. Speak honestly with them and say thank you often.

Goodwill - Reciprocity keeps our energy flowing; life is about giving and receiving to keep the flow from stagnating. Give. Volunteer. Donate. Share. Encourage. Applaud. It is the circle of life that sustains the world.

♥ Success - Define your idea of success and what you are willing to do/give up for it. Keep comparisons at bay. Our success arrives on schedule, never a day late. Do the work and rest.

♥Adventure - Life is an adventure. Take that trip. Try that dish. Make that call. Sometimes it makes no sense but, go for it anyway.

♥ Divine Protection - Whatever your belief system, protect your boundaries, clear your space, offer gratitude/thanks and ask for guidance in all things. I thank you for stopping by and reading this post. May 2014 be a year of grace and abundant blessings  for you!

Some Food for Thought:
What lessons did you learn in 2013?  Were your goals/resolutions met? Do you accomplish all or did you fall short? What lessons did you learn? Which will you take with you to  2014? I would love to hear from you: Please leave me a comment. Thank You!

Positive Motivation Tip:
Review, Re-frame and Ramp up for the coming year. All will be well. ♥HAPPY NEW YEAR :-)

PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS:
All Photos: Grace by Eric Enstrom,  Truth and Wisdom Assist In Writing History -1754 by Jacob de Wit, via Wikipedia or my Personal Collection

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet


23 comments:

  1. It sounds like you had an amazing year in 2013!!! You learned lots and inspired me to step it up this year! Best of luck in 2014

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  2. lesson I learned in 2013? family is very important :)

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  3. Sounds like a good book. I will have to check it out

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  4. I love your perspective- before we bull rush into the next year, lets review our history. In this case, lets look at 2013, because as the old adage goes, history repeats itself, correct? I think the chances of making the same mistakes are greater if we don't take time to reflect on the failures we have worked through, and on the same ticket, we can be more successful if we review are victories and re-employ the strategies that work! Thank you for the reminder.

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  5. It's always good to reflect. Just make sure to not get stuck in the past.

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  6. Hope you have a terrific 2014 and may God bless all of your goals and help you acchieve them.

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  7. In the past year I learned to stop worrying about the little things. To stop trying to do everything, and to stop and smell the roses. Basically - I needed to be less uptight :)

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  8. lessons that I learned in 2013, your family is the only thing that really matters. Things you own are just things, just things and if you happen to need to give your house hold away a couple different times to move where you need to, then that's okay.

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  9. Hi there, thanks for reminding me these! I need to be healthier this year.. I was such a junkie and barely exercised last year.

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  10. What an excellent post! Looks like 2013 was good for you.. Well I have learnt alot last year from my parents but in a hard way.
    Thanks for sharing

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  11. I agree to find a nugget of joy even when it seems like their isnt one. My biggest lesson this year was that I can chill out and not be so nervous about things! jen @dapperhouse

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  12. These are great lessons. I will be working on goodwill and friendship a little more this year.

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  13. When you have hope then you can command any thing from within. this was my lesson of 2013 rest is immaterial for me. Health and happiness follows if you learn to love your self. Do you agree with me?

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  14. It is a wonderful thing if we can reflect on the previous year and only come away with positive lessons. I commend you :)

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  15. Very good lessons to have learned. Though one condition that has brought me sadness in 2013 is indeed permanent... that would be my oldest daughters Scoliosis. :(

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  16. Lessons I learned in 2013: Love me first and foremost to allow me to love others!

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  17. Wow you had a big learning year, I should take your lead.

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  18. Wow, what a great list. I always think of New Year as another year to start over but I never reflect back on anything else. Some great points here.

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  19. I love everything on your list! Thank you for being such an inspiration.

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  20. 2013 has been tough on me, and I am counting on everything on your list to help me be more hopeful this year

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  21. reflecting is a good habit of analyzing things to avoid the unpleasant and to focus more on the good things. the list you have are great! :)

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  22. Mine, summarizing what happened last year, I am very grateful to have more blessings rather than problems. I believe that this is the thing that everyone of us must be thankful.

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  23. The year 2013 is a meaningful year for us. I am most happy with a better family relationship we have now. I just hope everything is as well for 2014. Your list covers everything, great!

    Mommy Maye
    www.ourfamilyblogsabout.info

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