A year in review: in only 168 words

It’s my thing: there are 168 hours in a week and 168 words in a blog just ‘feel’ right. So here goes: With 2016 almost a wrap, let’s talk about the past. Wait, what? Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Because a few weeks ago, miles of hiking trail behind me I, too, thought about those well-meaning peeps who suggest you leave the past in the past. After all, that’s not where you’re headed, right? But, how will you know what to bring with you into the new year if you don’t take stock of what transpired? Where did you grow? Where did you trip? Who helped you along the way? What seeds of kindness did you sow? What bad behaviors did you shed? What new habits served you well? It’s about leaving behind whatever holds you back and putting into practice what you’ve learned as you look ahead. Lay the foundation: now you’re ready to begin building a brand new year. Cheers!

What’s your plan for 2017?

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The difference between happiness, joy

Recently I heard an apt description of both happiness and joy. In a nutshell: happiness comes to us; joy is inside of us. It stands to reason, then, that happiness is created by external and oftentimes fleeting or fickle people, places and/or things. If we base our happiness on our spouse, job, car or health, and our relationship dies, we’re laid off, we total the car or get sick, it can be hard to put on a happy face (until the next whatever it is). Also, if everything external is temporary, then there must be something more that creates internal joy. For me and for many others, this source of joy is spiritual. For others, it’s a mindset to choose happy, while at the same time setting the intention that nothing or no one will steal their peace away. And, it doesn’t hurt to take the focus off ourselves, whenever possible, to invest in the lives of others (see ‘A rebirth of sorts…“).

Are you happy… or joyful?

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The Power of P

If the number of visitors who read my recent post, ‘A simple(r) life…,’ is any indication of what much of society pursues, then this topic ranks up there with all things happiness-related. I believe that’s because a happy, simple life is a basic necessity many of us seek. However, we often get in our own way and make it complicated, instead. For example, if you’ve searched for happiness your entire life—in relationships, material goods, addictions, net worth—you’ve discovered it’s an illusion, a temporary fix. Why? Because true happiness manifests itself when we sow into others’ lives something of value, something that will last: our time. A simplicity known as kindness. It’s only then that we find fulfillment—contentment that arises from a humble heart. Good news: it’s an ongoing practice, not perfect. With that said, my pursuits for 2017 revolve around keeping it simple with the power of P: peace, patience, purpose and a more passionate prayer life.

What is your No. 1 goal for 2017?

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