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!

2010 - 2011: Look Back and Then Look Forward...

“No one ever regarded the First of January with indifference. It is that from which all date their time, and count upon what is left. It is the nativity of our common Adam.” Charles Lamb

Mourning Doves by John James Audubon

The new writing assignment from MamaKat's Writing Workshop is a helpful way to review the year that just ended and re-focus on the year ahead. 2010 was a year that many would like to forget and that, perhaps, a smaller number will consider an abundant year. 2011 still holds its mystery and message. As we journey through it, we will learn more. What we must do is maintain a positive spirit and attitude.

In 2010, unemployment continued to soar in the USA, many lost homes and health-care, the earthquakes in various locations created havoc and devastation, Madoff went to jail for massive embezzlement, we lost some very talented souls, and yet, through it all, we hoped for a better day, month, year.
In the context of the assignment below, I chose question #1. I would have to say that 2010 was a challenging year. The word for 2010 - Challenging! Read more on my 2011 thoughts below...

This Week’s Prompts:
1.) Choose a word that encompasses 2010 and describe why. What word will you choose as your theme for 2011?
2.) If the way you spent your New Year's Eve is any indication of how the rest of the year will go, how would you say your future is looking right about now?
3.) Drunk.
4.) What happened in 2010 that you'd rather not repeat?
5.) Read and Respond: "If you want to make your dreams come true, the first thing you have to do is wake up." ~J.M. Power