2012 A New Year !!!

“Another fresh new year is here . . .Another year to live!To banish worry, doubt, and fear,To love and laugh and give!This bright new year is given meTo live each day with zest . . .To daily grow and try to beMy highest and my best! I have the opportunityOnce more to right some wrongs,To pray for peace, to plant a tree,And sing more joyful songs!” William A. W.

As I begin to jot down my personal goals for the new year , I must spend time to reflect upon 2011. The experiences, the people, the tears, the laughter, the lessons..together the good and bad have for another year brought me to today. I am grateful for the opportunity to begin a New Year.

It is interesting to listen to the different opinions around the need to set goals. It's been my experience those who don't believe in them are typically the people who have set goals but didn't see them through. We have all gone thru that at different points in our life. Have the best of intentions then life gets in the way and before you know it..the goal drifts out of site. Don't believe me..take a look at how many people will flood the gym this month with the goal of losing weight and be healthier;by March their 4 days a week at the gym dwindles to 1 and by April they are luckly to make it once a month. How do I know this..I've done it!

There is no right or wrong answer about whether you should set goals as long as you are happy with how your life is going, you do what makes you happy.

I happen to be one of those people who believe in setting goals. I also believe in the magic it creates inside when you achieve your goals.

It's hard to imagine when I sit back and reflect upon my career, for 23 years I have been setting goals both in a professional setting and personally. I love teaching people the skill of goal setting..for once you learn it , you have that skill forever! It brings me great joy watching people set a goal and achieve it.

The trick with setting goals is commitment , realistic objectives , perservance , having and keeping a positive attitude. (that last one can be tough)

The other secret incredient...being grateful for what you have, what you have been given, the people in your life and the opportunity year after year to learn and grow.

"Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankfulthat thorns have roses." Alphonse Karr

Wishing all that read this , good health and an abundance of success in 2012.

Calling On All Prayers

Today a dear friend's son is undergoing kidney Transplant surgery. His journey up to this day has been incrediable. It has been a long road and to wake up one morning feeling healthy to the next day learning your kidney is no longer functioning and you require dialysis every day to keep you alive seems unimaginable, yet it was reality. His name is Philip..he is a son, a husband, a brother and a special daddy to two beautiful little girls.

This may sound corny to some..but I am asking thru this post for everyone who reads this to take a moment to say a prayer to whatever higher spirit you believe in for Philip and his family. I figure I am one person who can pray but I hear there is power in prayer so the more people who can extend a loving thought the better the chances for Philip and his family. I know I have had a few prayers answered over the years. I have read about prayer circles and the difference it can make. I believe in hope..I believe in Christmas miracles..and I believe in the love of my friends who are kind and generous and extend themselves in simple ways..and yes even to people they don't even know.

This request doesn't cost a dime and it really won't take up much of your day..a simple healing prayer it does have the potential to make a world of difference! Even if you don't believe in prayer ..sending positive vibes and thoughts I know will help.

One of my favorite young poets who left the world far to early once said.." if a person cannot hear their own Heartsong because life has been too loud or dark, or difficult for their spirit , then we should offer to let them borrow our Heartsong"

Thank you..xo

A letter to Whomever

Dear Whomever:

I think if I hear another person express their displeasure in the perception that they can't say Merry Christmas I am going to lose my mind. I know everyone has a right to express their opinion, and this is why I feel compelled to write. I have listened to your opinion now please be tolerant and listen to mine. The key word here is "tolerance". In the first place, who is telling you , you can no longer say Merry Christmas and you must say Happy Holidays?. Who is taking away your right to celebrate or your Christmas spirit?

Over the course of my career, I have had the wonderful privilage of working with people of all religions, colours, race, and sexual orientations. I have friends who are muslim, Hindu, Catholic, United, Anglican, Jewish, white, black, American, Jamican, Mexican, Chinese, Polish..you get the drift..and over the course of getting to know these people not one of them ever said to me "please don't say Merry Christmas it is offensive". In fact, my experience has been quite the opposite , these people love to learn about our Canadian traditions and holidays and are more than happy to let us celebrate. Just as I was more than happy to learn about their traditions and holidays and let them celebrate. Those who for religious reasons who couldn't participate graciously took the time to explain. I was grateful for that as it helped me to learn.

One of the greatest trainings I ever took was one on Diversity. Boy did it open my eyes to the prejudices that exist. It forced me to look within myself and challenge my own thinking. During that course, every person was moved to tears, grown men and women as they faced their own beliefs and listened to how hurtful the sterotypes and ignorant thinking can be. Being tolerant doesn't mean you have to agree with everyone's beliefs or traditions but it means you accept their right to have them, just as they do yours.

The only way to create peace is to stop spreading the intolerance and these crazy messages. I fear these types of things creates a vicious cycle no matter what culture you are from. It has to start within each of us.

I am not perfect by no stretch of the imagination, but one thing I have learned..everyone is human..everyone has a heart and feelings. So please before you go passing judgement on a particular race stop and think about how your comments are representing your own values and beliefs.

No matter what religion you are..the teaching is the same be kind, and tolerant of all people. Anything different is some human's personal interpretation which is biased.

It's ok to be angry at people who steal, cheat, murder, and commit crimes, people who screw the system..but remember it isn't simply one race of people who do that..there are bad people in all cultures. Canadian laws and company policies are not perfect but they are written to create some sense of fairness for all. Be upset at the law or the policy if it is unfair, understand why it was written first before attacking a race of people that you don't even know. If you have a friend of that race or culture did you ever stop to think how your comments might make them feel?

So dear Whomever..this is my opinion and please be mindful that there lies a responsiblity with each of us to educate ourselves, and most of all communicate kindly. I think if you took the time to speak to a person of colour, or from a different culture I think you might just find, they would love for you to say Merry Christmas. They enjoy like you the spirit of family and friends, it may be different but it doesn't mean they value it any less.The question you need to ask yourself is can you find it within yourself to say Happy Hannuka or Eid Mubarak.

Please remember everytime the need to share these general statements that "they" say your right is being taken away.. is one less opportunity to simply say "Merry Christmas" . When you find out who "they" are maybe sit down with them and ask "why"..I know I have yet to come across anyone who has said I have to stop celebrating.

So to Whomever takes the time to read this letter..I wish you the happiest of holidays, Happy Hannuka , a very Merry christmas, Feliz Navidad, 'Wesołych Świąt' ,Sung Tan Chuk Ha.

Respectfully,

Me

Time Flies You Are the Pilot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hT76GrszuHk&feature=related

If you are like me, you probably wonder where you will ever find the time to do all the things you want to do, need to do or have to do. There are many demands on our time coming from many different angles. At times it can seem overwhelming to the point , we simply begin to procrastinate and we end up doing nothing and accomplishing nothing.
Oh I have been there a time or two let me admit right now. I also think there are times when it is perfectly ok to allow ourselves to simply do nothing. We need that breather to sit back, and re focus.
I have learned over the years however, that we can control time instead of letting time control us. When you are clear on your personal mission it becomes easier to manage time. You learn to use your time wisely. As I mentioned before there are things in life that we have to do, we need to do, and we want to do.
The have to do's are requirements like: have to go to work , if you have children you have to look after them, get my drift.
The need to do's are : we need to eat and exercise if we are to stay healthy, we need family and friends to support us, we need money in order to buy the necessities of life to support ourseleves and our families.
Then we come to the want to do's. This is our bucket list if you will. All the things we want to have but we don't really need in order to survive. We want nice cars, to take trips, dream house, more money..everyone has their want list.
If we are not careful time can sneak up on you to the point that you end up not balancing the three and the next thing you end up saying to yourself, your family, your friends is " I don't have time" When in fact, we all have the same amount of time ,24 hours in a day. How you are choosing to use the time you have is the trick. It is a mistake we all make. Sorry if that sounds harsh..but it is the reality. If you truly take the time to think about how much time you waste that you could devote to the areas that hold the most meaning to you, you would shake your head.
For example: if you say you value family and friends - How much time do you spend with them nuturing your relationships? If you are devoted to having your dream job - How much time do you spend time improving your skills, making contacts, working hard? Or do you spend more time in front of the TV , playing computer games? Do you constantly accept invites to spend your time doing something you totally hate? You get where I am going here right?
There is time available to us always...we simply have to ask ourselves if we use it wisely and is the balance there. If it isn't..you always have choices!! Ultimately the decision is yours..you are the Pilot!!
I have only just a minute,
Only sixty seconds in it,
Didn’t seek it,
didn’t choose it,
But it’s up to me to use it,
Give account if I abuse it,
Answer for it if I lose it,
Just a tiny little minute,
But eternity is in it

A few quick tips on time management:

• know your have to's, needs' to and want to's





• know what is important to you





• be prepared to say No once in awhile ..or even Yes figure out the right balance





• be prepared and willing to make changes

Something I wrote: THE WORLD IS CHANGING

I was inspired to write this poem a few months back as parts of the middle east were fighting for their freedom and overturning rulers , mother nature was showing her power with the devasting effects of hurricanes, tornados and tsunamis. Despite the negativity, what I believe is important to focus on is how these events are bringing people together. Helping one another..
Within my own little world, dealing with my own troubles at times ,which in comparsion seem miniscule. When everyday stress seems to feel overwhelming I have to keep reminding myself of all there is to be grateful for. Change starts inside. It is hard work..it is constant work..can I do it..YES I CAN..can you do it YES YOU CAN!!

I do hope you enjoy..and share this message..my hope is for this poem to circulate around the world!

The World is Changing

The world is changing before my eyes

As rulers crumble and leaders rise

In every flower bursts a smile

The richness of colors I sit for awhile

To revel in the hope such a simple joy brings

Listen to the music playing as the angel sweetly sings

Overwhelming at times to comprehend how anger and hate stifle the air

With each raging fist and evil stare

People still fighting for a right to vote, to revenge a death, to love another

Why is it so hard to regard each other as a sister and brother?

It makes you wonder if we are ever truly free

When internally you discover you must let go so you can begin to see

Set aside your arrogance and ego for a time

Put yourself in the shoes of another it isn’t such a crime

Mother Nature is the mightiest force we will ever see

With conviction she is teaching lessons for you and me

All over the world homes, families, trinkets capturing memories are swiftly lost

The lessons of strength are being taught at a cost

A different set of emotions now fill the air

Is any of this just or fair?

As people find strength to begin from scratch

Hearts sheltered in hope like a hole in a pair of jeans with a brand new patch

I sit quietly and think about this emotion I am a hostage to that I can’t control

Its peace and love that resides deep in my soul

All of this anger and hate will it rid this world it’s hard to imagine and see

All I know for sure is that it can start with me

It doesn’t take long to feel the kindness from a warm embrace

To be captivated by the love and tenderness in a strangers face

It’s this kind of optimism that inspires me to the core of my soul

Living each day feeling grateful my striving goal

The world is changing before my eyes

As rulers crumble and leaders rise


Tracey Speares Copywrite ( 2011)