Here's to 2014

Another New Year - a fresh start, a clean slate.  I’m always excited for New Years...so on NYE day when I got a speeding ticket I was feeling a bit discouraged.  I was going 30 in a 30 (BUT- the speed limit was 20 mph because it was school zone - but, wait - there is NO school, all the kids are on on winter break and I didn’t notice the flashing yellow light!  Years ago I was a “speed demon” Nothing dangerous, but always running late, etc. caused me to have a (minor) lead foot. Until one day I realized how much money I was wasting on tickets and stopped speeding for good.  So, between feeling like I broke my own “goal” + that this ticket was a bit “unfair” I forced myself to snap out of pity-party mode and let it go.

So...here’s to positive changes, always learning and growing, understanding YOUR own true value and worth, having faith (esp in times of trouble), peace of mind during uncertainty, the confidence to let go when you need to, kindness & gratitude (my favorite things), and lastly...forgiveness & compassion for those who offend you.

Here are some great quotes and things to remember.

I love what an old friend I really admired wrote:
I know NYE can feel bittersweet. Relax into it. Send graditude to your losses & accomplishments in 2013 & look brightly toward all you will create, all the people you will meet and all the ways you will grow in 2014 and beyond. Time to make choices and have courage, resolve and delight.
~ Lisa Weber

Open more of the light within you today by letting go of a grudge that's weighing you down. Regardless of how you think someone harmed you, the grudge is not worth carrying. Think of the grudge and the person involved now, intentionally offering it up to the divine so it's easier to let go.
~ Selacia

Often times it is better to be kind than to be right. We do not always need an intelligent mind that speaks, just a patient heart that listens. Be kind whenever possible. And realize that it is always possible. It takes a great deal of strength to be gentle and kind. And when you practice kindness and bring sunshine to the lives of others, you cannot keep it from yourself.
~ author unknown

One of our traditions is always light fireworks on NYE at midnight. Here is our fave-The Chinese Happiness lamp.