I want to stay caught up in school this semester by working more on Saturday and use the Sabbath as more of a day of worship God and practice gratitude, especially towards Him! I also want to improve my scripture study!
Short term hopes are I am looking forward to getting to know my grandson more and making up for lost time. Continually being supportive to my daughter , we have become very close this past year. which makes me happy. Supporting my son in his journey in finding the right partner/next job opportunity in life. Looking forward to moving into our new home and making it feel like home.
To truly celebrate life by daily discoverying the personal impact of simple phrases such as, I love… which is ultimately a gratitude practice.
For e.g.
Today:
I love hearing the birds sing in the morning
I love the possibilities of the New Year
I love that there is a thread of common good and kindness that runs through humanity and I can be a part of it
My hopes are to take these and all the other, “I love…” explorations into the world.
Happy New Year everyone ✨️ 💛 💖
I long for more people to “wake up”. For more people to realize “they” keep us divided for a reason, we are easier to control if we are divided & our attention is diverted. I hope people see love is thee answer, we have more in common than not. I hope people wake up to realize why “they” foster war & not peace. I hope & long for more people to come together & stop the “war machine”. I pray for peace & love for our world. I pray for the end of suffering.
May we all be peace, love & light & send it out into the world. A massive wave of love………..
🌊🕊️❤️✨🌊🕊️❤️✨🌊🕊️❤️✨🌊
Yes PKR, “they” relish in spreading fear of the other and then guarantee safety if “they’ receive financial support. Insurance works in much the same way.
As a spirit inhabiting a human body,
trying to separate ego
from essence,
there is little I desire . . .
well,
perhaps a few petty things
that are really of no significance
in the bigger picture. .
I wish my cats wouldn’t die,
that my gardens would flourish
without too much work,
the squirrels wouldn’t eat my bulbs . . .
that my husband live forever,
that I would never forget a beautiful piece of music,
that I could paint a masterpiece,
write a novel,
find a seahorse like the one I lost . . .
In the bigger picture
I long for the end of wars,
enough food for all,
shelter for everyone,
prosperity,
and agape.
Then there is the even bigger picture,
and for that,
I have to trust
that all shall be well,
whatever happens.
Right now….improved health.
Both of us have covid. My husband has a rare blood disorder, so it complicates everything. The age factor also is involved.
Of course I want peace, hope, love, gratitude and appreciation to be spread.
Let’s take it a day at a time.
This is the kind of question always asked on this particular date or tomorrow. And yet it applies every single day! Every day is the beginning of another stretch of 365 days. The line drawn by humans doesn’t relate to astronomy or anything about the natural world. I do acknowledge the appeal of a fresh new calendar, after my years as a tween/teen marking notable events on those blank squares, and I’ll admit to some reflection on the last 12 months. I’m merely mindful that every day has that potential for a new beginning.
I don’t set myself up for disappointment by having many “longings”. Attachment causes suffering. I have some events I’m looking forward to that may or may not come to pass so I’m not setting my heart on those.
I do have hope, singular, every day, that I do my best in that particular 24 hours, and that I’m kind to myself and to others, attentive to what’s around me, responsive to the needs of each moment. And that I give myself a break when I don’t quite rise to that.
I hope to continue to nourish and organically grow in-person, supportive, thoughtful, positive communities. I long for a thriving neighborhood exchange of goods and food. I hope to deepen connections with friends and like-minded people and establish collective support. Happy New Year, everyone. Thank you for being here.
Drea, you have verbalized very well part of what I am trying to do as well! I have recently started a local group that I am calling “Be Connected”. We are trying to support each other with positive actions and share with each other about local events that are going on. Some members of the group are going to participate in a 7 week email discussion group about Finding Steady Ground (https://www.findingsteadyground.com/ ). We also have met in person once and plan to meet again in February to practice Bystander Intervention skills.
At any rate, I love your wording “nourish and organically grow in-person, supportive, thoughtful, positive communities”. and “deepen connections with friends and like-minded people and establish collective support”.
And my big question is how all these little communities can somehow connect without losing their individuality and intimacy. Or maybe that isn’t necessary? If enough people create and take part in such supportive groups, it will naturally create a consciousness-rising? And how can everyone who wants to be a part of such a group get to be a part of such a group? maybe by creating their own group?
Elizabeth, thank you for sharing, your local group inspires me! And you have great questions. I don’t know the answers to any of them, but thinking about your questions intrigues me. I think the questions point to cultural change, which is so organic … I think our efforts are steering things in the right direction, and interesting things will emerge from them.
“a thriving neighborhood exchange of goods and food”. What a great idea and fabulous goal! I wish you so well with this pursuit!!!! I would be on board if I were a neighbor!! Good luck – even small individual successes of sharing should count!!! I love the idea of
“time-banking”…. neighbor X is happy to provide transportation or offers a different contribution, neighbor Y has cake baking to offer in exchange…. it could be sticky in real life, but the concept so appeals. Good luck, Drea.
I imagine both of you are familiar with Buy Nothing, which is a wonderful way to build community and pass on or receive things needed without adding consumption and capitalism to the mix. In my neighborhood one man in the BN community started a “Soup Sunday” that has grown to include distribution of food he gets as donations, and we have a community garden that has a shelf where people put food to give away.
Carol Ann, I hadn’t thought of time-banking in years. The idea of a local currency of exchange would weave so many connections and maybe break down some class distinctions and other distancing assumptions. We haven’t succeeded in doing this through government means and that’s not likely to improve for a while. Person to person may be the best way forward.
Thank you Barb, I was not familiar with Buy Nothing but will join. I love the idea of Soup Sunday. And yes, time banking … with good record keeping it seems like that could work. So much to look into!
yes, Barb! and your post made me think of the “Little Library” in my neighborhood that many of us enjoy – I’ve even started putting in small worthwhile items to pass on that are not reading materials, and I am always happy to see that someone has chosen to take them. Happy New Year, and welcome happy new thoughts!!
Ah yes, tis the eve of the new year.
Hey, that sounded literate! 😁
I hope to stay busy and productive in this new year. I also hope to stay connected to nature as much as possible. And I hope to be more connected to my creative side.
As I sit here, looking out of my south facing window, the sun is coming up and melting the little bit of frost on the neighbors roofs. The sun is also hitting the top of the olive tree that’s in the corner of my little yard.
The dream I had last night (one of many) came just came back to me. A glowing blue bird flew out of a tree and right past me. It was large, about the size of a hawk, but looked more like a heron. It was illuminated and glowed this amazing blue color.
I was so excited. It really took my breath away. In the rest of the dreams I had, I kept telling people about this amazing bird. So, as in my dreams, I just told you about this amazing sighting. 😁
So as I sit here in the mornings, there’s a bird that sits on the highest part of the olive tree. Catching the first rays of sun. Maybe it’s the same bird every morning, I don’t know, but I appreciate its consistency.
Happy new year to all of you. 🙏
I pray that I and those around me can have the courage to leave the seeming safety of “Business As Usual” and put our all into “The Great Turning”.
I pray that all of the little groups of people working for love and a sustainable future for all can somehow be more connected– that all of our efforts can sync together into a powerful wave. A wave of love that includes everyone and helps to free those who are in the grips of fear, hatred and greed.
That is a lot to hope for in one year, but I hope that at least that process can really get started in a powerful way.
My hope and longing for the New Year is wellness for me and my family….and all others. Right now I can only see in front of me….a longer vision is obstructed. On Christmas morning…my last posting here…I said I was thankful for my husband, and my animals and especially my dog, Clancy/ A few hours later Clancy was bleeding from his moouth and we were on a 90 minute drive to the Emergency vet. Clancy has a mass in his mouth that will not get better…as you can imagine –Christmas Day was anything but joyous. In 2024 I also suffered a major heart attack. I will be glad for a New Year and hopefully new beginings. For now…we have Clancy with us…he is eating and drinking and seems content…but I know that is only for a short time. For now- this moment I am very grateful. For the New Year…I just want peace and health. God Bless to all who come to this site and who make this possible.
We to have had many pets/loving spirits throughout the years. They are family/loving spirits, and we treat them accordingly. May Clancy find joy in your love Nannette.
”For now…we have Clancy with us…he is eating and drinking and seems content…but I know that is only for a short time.”
I know,
dear Nanette,
this feeling,
as I am going through it
with one of my cats . . .
each day she is alive beside me in the bed,
is a joy,
and I say ‘thank you’
for every one of these days,
but it won’t be long.
You and I
can be grateful
to have had these precious lives
inhabit our existence here on the earth.
I will grieve with you
when you lose Clancy,
but we’ll both know
he won’t really be gone. ♥
Im so sorry, Nannette. Each of us who has loved our loving fourfooted ones knows this heartbreak. I can wonder if this process wont be gentler for Clancey than for you.🙏🏼 I hope some comfort comes to you.
“We have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night”.
I have learned from classes that I have taken through grateful.org
that because the future is unknown, it is full of possibilities.
This realization helps me to open my mind and my heart
to the possibilities in the now and possibilities to come.
This is how I view hope.
Thank you to those who create these classes
beginning with Brother David upon whose words these classes are based.
And thank you to those at grateful.org who work behind the scenes.
Thank you for giving me a way to think about hope that brings me joy, and yes, hope.
That I will grow in greater awareness
That I will always be kind in all situations
The Four Agreements come to mind
Impeccable with my words
Don’t take anything personally
Don’t make assumptions
Always do my best
Give yourself the gift of free bi-monthly inspiration including uplifting articles, diverse stories, supportive practices, videos, and more, delivered with heart to your inbox.
I want to stay caught up in school this semester by working more on Saturday and use the Sabbath as more of a day of worship God and practice gratitude, especially towards Him! I also want to improve my scripture study!
Short term hopes are I am looking forward to getting to know my grandson more and making up for lost time. Continually being supportive to my daughter , we have become very close this past year. which makes me happy. Supporting my son in his journey in finding the right partner/next job opportunity in life. Looking forward to moving into our new home and making it feel like home.
To truly celebrate life by daily discoverying the personal impact of simple phrases such as, I love… which is ultimately a gratitude practice.
For e.g.
Today:
I love hearing the birds sing in the morning
I love the possibilities of the New Year
I love that there is a thread of common good and kindness that runs through humanity and I can be a part of it
My hopes are to take these and all the other, “I love…” explorations into the world.
Happy New Year everyone ✨️ 💛 💖
Happy to see you again here after a long time 💖
I long for more people to “wake up”. For more people to realize “they” keep us divided for a reason, we are easier to control if we are divided & our attention is diverted. I hope people see love is thee answer, we have more in common than not. I hope people wake up to realize why “they” foster war & not peace. I hope & long for more people to come together & stop the “war machine”. I pray for peace & love for our world. I pray for the end of suffering.
May we all be peace, love & light & send it out into the world. A massive wave of love………..
🌊🕊️❤️✨🌊🕊️❤️✨🌊🕊️❤️✨🌊
Yes PKR, “they” relish in spreading fear of the other and then guarantee safety if “they’ receive financial support. Insurance works in much the same way.
Amen!!!
As a spirit inhabiting a human body,
trying to separate ego
from essence,
there is little I desire . . .
well,
perhaps a few petty things
that are really of no significance
in the bigger picture. .
I wish my cats wouldn’t die,
that my gardens would flourish
without too much work,
the squirrels wouldn’t eat my bulbs . . .
that my husband live forever,
that I would never forget a beautiful piece of music,
that I could paint a masterpiece,
write a novel,
find a seahorse like the one I lost . . .
In the bigger picture
I long for the end of wars,
enough food for all,
shelter for everyone,
prosperity,
and agape.
Then there is the even bigger picture,
and for that,
I have to trust
that all shall be well,
whatever happens.
What a beautiful and heartfelt reflection, dear Sparrow. Your words speak much of the way I too feel. Thank you.
All shall be well, if I am willing, dear Sparrow.
Right now….improved health.
Both of us have covid. My husband has a rare blood disorder, so it complicates everything. The age factor also is involved.
Of course I want peace, hope, love, gratitude and appreciation to be spread.
Let’s take it a day at a time.
Hoping it doesn’t hit you too hard and that you both recover as quickly as possible.
Wishing you and your husband a speedy recovery.
I hope that you both heal quickly,
dear Yram . . .♥
This is the kind of question always asked on this particular date or tomorrow. And yet it applies every single day! Every day is the beginning of another stretch of 365 days. The line drawn by humans doesn’t relate to astronomy or anything about the natural world. I do acknowledge the appeal of a fresh new calendar, after my years as a tween/teen marking notable events on those blank squares, and I’ll admit to some reflection on the last 12 months. I’m merely mindful that every day has that potential for a new beginning.
I don’t set myself up for disappointment by having many “longings”. Attachment causes suffering. I have some events I’m looking forward to that may or may not come to pass so I’m not setting my heart on those.
I do have hope, singular, every day, that I do my best in that particular 24 hours, and that I’m kind to myself and to others, attentive to what’s around me, responsive to the needs of each moment. And that I give myself a break when I don’t quite rise to that.
I hope to continue to nourish and organically grow in-person, supportive, thoughtful, positive communities. I long for a thriving neighborhood exchange of goods and food. I hope to deepen connections with friends and like-minded people and establish collective support. Happy New Year, everyone. Thank you for being here.
Drea, you have verbalized very well part of what I am trying to do as well! I have recently started a local group that I am calling “Be Connected”. We are trying to support each other with positive actions and share with each other about local events that are going on. Some members of the group are going to participate in a 7 week email discussion group about Finding Steady Ground (https://www.findingsteadyground.com/ ). We also have met in person once and plan to meet again in February to practice Bystander Intervention skills.
At any rate, I love your wording “nourish and organically grow in-person, supportive, thoughtful, positive communities”. and “deepen connections with friends and like-minded people and establish collective support”.
And my big question is how all these little communities can somehow connect without losing their individuality and intimacy. Or maybe that isn’t necessary? If enough people create and take part in such supportive groups, it will naturally create a consciousness-rising? And how can everyone who wants to be a part of such a group get to be a part of such a group? maybe by creating their own group?
Elizabeth, thank you for sharing, your local group inspires me! And you have great questions. I don’t know the answers to any of them, but thinking about your questions intrigues me. I think the questions point to cultural change, which is so organic … I think our efforts are steering things in the right direction, and interesting things will emerge from them.
“a thriving neighborhood exchange of goods and food”. What a great idea and fabulous goal! I wish you so well with this pursuit!!!! I would be on board if I were a neighbor!! Good luck – even small individual successes of sharing should count!!! I love the idea of
“time-banking”…. neighbor X is happy to provide transportation or offers a different contribution, neighbor Y has cake baking to offer in exchange…. it could be sticky in real life, but the concept so appeals. Good luck, Drea.
Thank you Carol Ann!
I imagine both of you are familiar with Buy Nothing, which is a wonderful way to build community and pass on or receive things needed without adding consumption and capitalism to the mix. In my neighborhood one man in the BN community started a “Soup Sunday” that has grown to include distribution of food he gets as donations, and we have a community garden that has a shelf where people put food to give away.
Carol Ann, I hadn’t thought of time-banking in years. The idea of a local currency of exchange would weave so many connections and maybe break down some class distinctions and other distancing assumptions. We haven’t succeeded in doing this through government means and that’s not likely to improve for a while. Person to person may be the best way forward.
Thank you Barb, I was not familiar with Buy Nothing but will join. I love the idea of Soup Sunday. And yes, time banking … with good record keeping it seems like that could work. So much to look into!
yes, Barb! and your post made me think of the “Little Library” in my neighborhood that many of us enjoy – I’ve even started putting in small worthwhile items to pass on that are not reading materials, and I am always happy to see that someone has chosen to take them. Happy New Year, and welcome happy new thoughts!!
Ah yes, tis the eve of the new year.
Hey, that sounded literate! 😁
I hope to stay busy and productive in this new year. I also hope to stay connected to nature as much as possible. And I hope to be more connected to my creative side.
As I sit here, looking out of my south facing window, the sun is coming up and melting the little bit of frost on the neighbors roofs. The sun is also hitting the top of the olive tree that’s in the corner of my little yard.
The dream I had last night (one of many) came just came back to me. A glowing blue bird flew out of a tree and right past me. It was large, about the size of a hawk, but looked more like a heron. It was illuminated and glowed this amazing blue color.
I was so excited. It really took my breath away. In the rest of the dreams I had, I kept telling people about this amazing bird. So, as in my dreams, I just told you about this amazing sighting. 😁
So as I sit here in the mornings, there’s a bird that sits on the highest part of the olive tree. Catching the first rays of sun. Maybe it’s the same bird every morning, I don’t know, but I appreciate its consistency.
Happy new year to all of you. 🙏
You always sound quite literate to me, my friend Charlie.
love this, Charlie! thanks for putting that down here! I hope the nature and spirit of your new year dream stay with you a very long time.
Happy New Year, everyone!
I pray that I and those around me can have the courage to leave the seeming safety of “Business As Usual” and put our all into “The Great Turning”.
I pray that all of the little groups of people working for love and a sustainable future for all can somehow be more connected– that all of our efforts can sync together into a powerful wave. A wave of love that includes everyone and helps to free those who are in the grips of fear, hatred and greed.
That is a lot to hope for in one year, but I hope that at least that process can really get started in a powerful way.
Elizabeth, thank you for sharing. I’m with you.
My hope and longing for the New Year is wellness for me and my family….and all others. Right now I can only see in front of me….a longer vision is obstructed. On Christmas morning…my last posting here…I said I was thankful for my husband, and my animals and especially my dog, Clancy/ A few hours later Clancy was bleeding from his moouth and we were on a 90 minute drive to the Emergency vet. Clancy has a mass in his mouth that will not get better…as you can imagine –Christmas Day was anything but joyous. In 2024 I also suffered a major heart attack. I will be glad for a New Year and hopefully new beginings. For now…we have Clancy with us…he is eating and drinking and seems content…but I know that is only for a short time. For now- this moment I am very grateful. For the New Year…I just want peace and health. God Bless to all who come to this site and who make this possible.
My thoughts and prayers with you Nannette – I know how much you love your animals. May the time you have left with Clancy be loving and memorable.
We to have had many pets/loving spirits throughout the years. They are family/loving spirits, and we treat them accordingly. May Clancy find joy in your love Nannette.
”For now…we have Clancy with us…he is eating and drinking and seems content…but I know that is only for a short time.”
I know,
dear Nanette,
this feeling,
as I am going through it
with one of my cats . . .
each day she is alive beside me in the bed,
is a joy,
and I say ‘thank you’
for every one of these days,
but it won’t be long.
You and I
can be grateful
to have had these precious lives
inhabit our existence here on the earth.
I will grieve with you
when you lose Clancy,
but we’ll both know
he won’t really be gone. ♥
My heart and prayers are strongly with you, my Friend. Blessings to you and your family along this path.
Im so sorry, Nannette. Each of us who has loved our loving fourfooted ones knows this heartbreak. I can wonder if this process wont be gentler for Clancey than for you.🙏🏼 I hope some comfort comes to you.
“We have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night”.
To choose happiness. To find peace with my loneliness.
I’m with you on this:)
I have learned from classes that I have taken through grateful.org
that because the future is unknown, it is full of possibilities.
This realization helps me to open my mind and my heart
to the possibilities in the now and possibilities to come.
This is how I view hope.
Thank you to those who create these classes
beginning with Brother David upon whose words these classes are based.
And thank you to those at grateful.org who work behind the scenes.
Thank you for giving me a way to think about hope that brings me joy, and yes, hope.
That I will grow in greater awareness
That I will always be kind in all situations
The Four Agreements come to mind
Impeccable with my words
Don’t take anything personally
Don’t make assumptions
Always do my best
Beautiful, Carol. Thank you for the reminder of The Four Agreements.