Raise A Glass.......

~ Viking Toast 2014 ~

I'm feeling it...the percolating...the rumbling ...the feelings of determination and promise of hope in the New Year! Can you feel it? Many folks are thinking resolutions... I am not!

Here's my theory of resolutions: They overwhelm, discourage and fade! Looking to leave that all behind, I joined in on a different approach last year. On New Year's Eve, among friends and much laughter, we made a Viking Toast.....an oath of sorts. For me, I toasted to "broadening my world and being part of something bigger in 2014". I felt it......committed to it!

The goal for me was clear "to join in and participate more in My Life".  Anything more than I had been would be a plus. It felt broad and do-able. Lessen the expectation, create bigger rewards! 

What I really want to share with you Dear Readers, is this.... whatever you are looking to do, take on, change, add to your Life....can happen!!!! That's the biggest thing you need to know. Break it down, start small. Do things that lead you towards it and eliminate what takes you further away from your vision. 

You may be encouraged to know that an awesome thing starts to happen! There is this energy and momentum that begins to build, which provides motivation to keep doing a little bit more. Regardless of how far it takes you, it will be more than if you hadn't done anything at all.

It is my true belief that we each are given this gift to take charge of our path and the only way it will ever take place is with small steps.

I raise a glass to you Dear Readers, as we welcome 2015 with open arms and hopefully a great pair of shoes to take that first step.

Cheers!

From My Heart...................

The message is simple, the message is clear....

Give from your heart

Love with all your might

and listen for the whispers that will lead your way!

My wish for you Dear Readers....

May your Holiday Season

be filled with moments that touch your heart and bring you

Comfort and Joy to last a Lifetime.

Merry Christmas!

Gentle Prayer.....

Two years ago hearts and lives were shattered as the result of the unthinkable at the Sandy Hook Elementary School. I still think of it often and say a little prayer for those left to carry on. Tonight I share with you something I originally wrote and posted when the tragedy occurred.

Our hearts are heavy our eyes are blurred 

The unthinkable has happened, such

tragic news we have heard

Our questions are many, the answers are few

 longing to ease their pain

knowing there's little we can do

Bring comfort and Peace to these families Dear Lord 

as they face the days ahead

Grant them serenity & strength to carry on 

knowing the beautiful lives their loved ones have lead

The heavens are now filled with precious Christmas Angels above

showering down on their broken families, an abundance of Love.

Together let's pray, as we look to the sky

knowing at Peace these tender hearts lie ~

The Gift Of Giving................

Greetings Dear Readers! Around the holidays thoughts of gifts and giving are in the air. Today I would like to share with you organizations that could use some extra help this holiday season. 

• One project that is near and dear to my heart is Christmas Is For Kids, located in Attleboro, MA. You can read about their recent request for donations here.

• Another organization that I admire is Amos House in Providence, RI. They provide meals as well as numerous other services to the homeless all year round, and on Christmas the numbers increase. Donations are eagerly requested so they may accommodate the great need they are faced with. To learn more about making a donation and how your money will be spent click here. I have actually made donations "in honor of" for those difficult to buy for relatives. It feels like a win win way to give to me.

• Make a difference in the classroom!  Many teachers are overworked and short on supplies...damn those budget cuts! Donations of supplies or gift cards to Amazon or Target would be a wonderful surprise.

• Take a look in your own community, reach out to the Human Services Department, shelters or perhaps youth services programs.

So many possibilities to touch lives Dear Readers, some folks you may know and some you may not.....either way hearts will be touched...including your own.

Cheers!

Heartfelt Holidays............

There is a calmness that comes with not rushing...which translates to me
"don't put off what you can do today". As we find ourselves at the beginning of December, it's the perfect time to revisit our notebook of how we want our Holiday to look. What's important to you Dear Readers?

For me, my Holiday list includes, time with family and friends, Acts of Kindness, making snowflakes, mulled cider, peppermint lotion, neighborhood gatherings...

I tend to prefer doing things sooner than later, so I am not rushed... it leaves time for the unexpected that may delay me or create a sudden opportunity. 

In order to make these things happen and enjoy them to the fullest potential of memory making moments they hold, I have to make an effort. In saying that let me explain..the effort comes when I need to organize thoughts and plans to help things run smoothly in my mind and with the follow through. I also need to realize my sons are no longer little and I no longer make all the schedules and decisions. (really working on that one... I know, I know "roots and wings...roots and wings") I need to keep things in perspective as to what really matters and it may be time, to let one or two traditions go. Pang, Ouch!

Visit your list Dear Readers, think about the special touches you can add to your Holiday prep, let go the parts that are unrealistic expectations, look for opportunities that can make a difference for you and others. 

Be in the moment of what you are doing and make amazing Heartfelt Holiday memories of your own.