Can you believe we are already in December? Wow. People tell me time goes by faster with age and I’m starting to think there’s something to that. Around this time, most people like to think forward into the new year. We like to imagine all the possibilities of a fresh start – what we hope to accomplish, what we would like to change, and places we want to visit.
Before I ever do that though, I really make it a point to look back. I get a lot out of glancing into the rearview mirror. I may get a reminder of something really awesome I achieved, or it might be a tough lesson I had to learn. Either way, there is always something there for me to gain or be grateful for when I spend a moment in reflection.
This year presented some me with some challenges both professionally and personally. In January I got the news that my business partner of 6 years wanted to move to Texas to be closer to her family and would be leaving the business 6 months later – talk about a shock to the system! While she had my full support, I was also faced with making some difficult decisions.
Looking back, I think you learn a lot about your character when you are placed in situations that you wouldn’t choose and then left to you to see how you handle it. It wasn’t always easy, but I’m proud to say that I worked through a difficult season of my life with fortitude and equanimity.
As we approach the end of a year, I hope you get a chance to spend some time in silence looking into your own rearview mirror.
My wish for you is that you find something to be grateful for and hold onto it. It doesn’t have to be something “grandiose” like the trip of a lifetime (although it certainly could be), but something you may take for granted like the vibrant colors in your flower garden, or how your friends have shown up for you this year.
Whatever it is for you, hold onto it and see how you can manifest more of that for next year. As for me, I’m hoping to be more present in each day so I can take full advantage of this wonderful gift I’ve been given.
Maybe if we can all find these little “gifts” in each of our days we will have a little more kindness to give to others – and who couldn’t use more of that?!
Signing off for 2024, your friends at TPT.
WE’LL BE CLOSED FOR THE HOLIDAYS:
1/2 Day on December 24
All Day December 25-27
All Day January 1