a calm in the storm : Issue No. 11 "A New Beginning"

Happy New Year! Generally, this time of year is huge for new year's resolutions, making goals, redefining your priorities, and seeking to move in the right direction in life. There is something powerful about the completion of one year and the start of a new. It's a physical milestone to change the things you don't like about your current situation or choices. There's a quote I found by Voltaire that reads, "Chance is a word void of sense; nothing can exist without a cause." It's so easy to blame your circumstances on things around you. We often hope for the "chance" to do something great. Or we often say, "If only...." and you can fill in the blank. Voltaire's quote hits the heart of the issue. Everything has a cause, whether you choose to not make a decision or make a decision yourself, you've still made a decision. Whether you are a victim of your circumstance or created the situation, you're still an active part . You can either let things happen to you and become a victim or you can respond to what happens to you. My mom used to have a quote on our fridge that read, "10% of life is what happens to you, 90% of life is how you react to it." Sounds like another way of repeating what Voltaire said...nothing exists without someone putting it into motion. There are times when you are a player in someone else's game. Often times, it's not your choice to play. But regardless, you're still a player which means you have control over the choices you make. You can't always control the situations, but you can control your reactions. So, our hope is to make 2009 a year where we are conscious of our choices. We've realized you can't please everyone all the time, but you can always stay true to who you are. Here's to an amazing adventure for 2009.
Happy New Year!