a calm in the storm : Issue No. 6 "moving forward"

It's almost New Year's Eve and we're staring 2008 in the face. Are you ready to learn from 2007 and take a new step into the new year? What are your priorities as you put together your New Year's resolutions? For some, it's to spend more time with their families, to eat healthier, work harder, exercise more, relax more...what's yours? My thought for this new year is simple: Can you challenge people to watch the way you live and know you will not be an oxymoron? It's a hard question to answer if you don't know how to define the question. Of course, we're not perfect. There is no way we can always perform without making mistakes. But do you share that same view when you're working with others? Can you practice what you preach? If not, maybe you should change what you preach. Do you spend more time commenting on what other people are doing wrong as opposed to what other people are doing right? If it's the former, maybe you can't expect more from people toward you. If it's the latter, than you're probably surrounded by people who encourage and support you for you. As we walk in to the new year, it's always a good time to not let the past dictate who you are, but to allow it to teach you who you want to be. As you ring in 2008, don't forget to reflect on 2007. Take note of the areas that make you proud, the areas that inspire you and the areas that shaped you into a stronger person. Also take note of the areas that you found yourself disappointed, or defeated or areas you feel you failed. Use those times to learn how to move forward. A person's character is not formed by the times he failed, but by the times he failed and tried again. We can't expect ourselves to be flawless, but we should expect ourselves to give it our all. You may not always make the right decision or a decision that everyone agrees with, but if you've done your homework and you're intention is always pure, you can only do your best. You can't please everyone all the time, but you can always try your hardest and you can always serve others. I'll ask again, can you challenge people to watch the way you live and know you will not be an oxymoron? If you've answered no to this question, perhaps you need to explore the meaning of the question. If you can admit your mistakes and be thankful for your victories, you're on the right track.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!