As I thought about what to give as a word of encouragement this week, I wanted to share something that would be uplifting and not just educational or a training session, so when I found the first part of this poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson, I knew I had landed on my thought for this weekend before Christmas.
Friend, this year – Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year. That means that every day, all 365 of them coming, you have a chance to write a different story, sing a different song, and play a different tune – since this will be the best days in your year, you can create and be, and dream and become the person you always wanted to be and we knew you could be.
Listen, friends, nothing holds you back, but you and you can change that voice in your head to hear the new words for a new year of opportunity… because this year, you’re going to Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year…
That means this year you’re going to grow through life and not just go through life – Eric Butterfield said that…and it is a great reminder that you can do it; you can be it, or you can become it…when you set a path forward.
What a great way to start the process of closing out this year by putting things in order, cleaning out and reorganizing and setting up files and cleaning out drawers, and then taking some time to think about milestones you need to plan for and accomplish on your timeline for success as you grow through this next year.
This thought of Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year gives me a new perspective on the year ahead.
Now, I know we’re not quite to the New Year, but I like to get my planning done in this lull between Christmas and New Year so when Jan. 1st comes (and goes), I am already set to begin afresh and anew as I start over in another exciting year.
When I think about the process of writing on my heart to believe that every day is the best day in the year, I am hopeful. I am hopeful for many reasons, one being that this past year – although a good year for me is closing out, and I have once again an opportunity for another five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes (525,600) minutes (in a year) to make a difference in my world and the lives of others…and that is exciting.
And following this advice this year, I am going to do a few other things with regard to my heart… yes, I’m still going to drag myself to the gym so I can be physically healthy, but I have a few new thoughts for the New Year to make sure that every day is the best day – not just for me but perhaps for others.
I have the good fortune to many times be asked about my thoughts for the New Year, so as I begin to work on my New Year’s resolutions…I have been mulling over the idea of PAS – not to give you a pass (so you don’t have to do something) but to pass the love, caring, and sharing along…so my thought is this…and I am only using three letters since Americans think in 3s to make it easier to remember… okay the acronym is PAS
P – stands for physical… I have come to believe that people need physical interaction, and study after study will back me up on this – meaning that people of every age need to feel the power of touch…kids need to be hugged…spouses need to be hugged…parents and grandparents need to feel the power of human touch – and I’m not talking about the side half hugs but the full body bear hug – people need to know they matter… especially seniors who may not have many kind, gentle and loving people to hug them due to age or infirmity’s – the idea of touch in the proper way is very healing for both the giver and the receiver… so this year become consciously physical – whether a hug and handshake, a pat on the back… any kind of proper physical touch is good…
A – stands for affirmations – meaning I am going to say – more than I already do – to clients, friends, and family are doing a good job, that I appreciate them, that I can see they have been working hard, or say something in kindness so I can help them move them to the next level… Affirmations that are honest and, true, and helpful are good for the mind, soul, and body. You know I am all about speaking up and letting your voice be heard – this year… is the year to allow that to happen… speak up speak often remember you might be the only voice that someone will listen to, so you have a duty to speak, and I’ll add you learn to speak without fear so you can do what you were born to do…
S – stands for safety – meaning that in the sea of life, I find that a lot of people need to know that when the wind blows, and the rains hail down upon them – that at the very least, one person will be there for them to either pull them out of the rain or help them adjust their sails to set their course for safety. I find that many of the young people I work with have a level of fear that makes them unstable – they need a sense of security and safety in their home, with their extended family, and with their friends, which will help them in their lives… by the way, it’s not just kids who feel this seismic shake from the world – husbands and wives feel it also when the world come dangerously close to crashing down. A sense of safety is probably one of the most blessed gifts that we can give one another this year – just to know that someone will answer the phone in the dead of night…
And the idea of safety crosses every aspect of our lives, from physical to mental to emotional safety. The understanding that you can find at least one other person to feel a sense of security with – can make the difference as you step out in faith to do what you are called to do.
Unfortunately, in America (and around the world), we’ve become a violent society, so the need for safety and security is perhaps the one gift that, if provided, can change a life.
We know that kids thrive when they feel safe, we know that marriages grow when they feel safe, and we know that families weather the storms when pulled together, they feel safe… so consider what you can do to add a level of safety to your home, your family, your life.
So, my New Year’s Resolution simply comes down to the word PASS. Be properly physical, give honest and kind affirmations, set up boundaries for safety and security for yourself and those you love, and serve others.
When I was working on today’s show, I found the 1st line of the poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson, but in researching the poem, I discovered that it is more than the opening famous line, so let me finish with the complete work…
Write it on your heart
that every day is the best day in the year.
He is rich, who owns the day,
and no one owns the day who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety.
Finish every day and be done with it.
You have done what you could.
Some blunders and absurdities, no doubt, crept in.
Forget them as soon as you can, tomorrow is a new day,
begin it well and serenely, with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense.
This new day is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on the yesterdays…
