Did You Plunge Right In?

January 2013

Has the New Year beckoned?

Come on

Let’s get started

On a new adventure

A new path

New goals

Let’s follow this path

Make some tracks

Jump in!

Oh, how can you resist?

The freshly fallen snow

All sparkly in the sunlight..

...fluffy

just waiting...

for YOU.

What footprints have you left?

How is the NewYear going?

Have you plunged right in?

Ponds are like People

.....they merely reflect
            what is in and around them!

Here are two bodies of water on the same piece of land just separated by several feet of roadway.

They both contain the same kind of water.  Both contain water from melted snow, runoff, seepage and rainfall.  All comprised of the chemical formula H₂0; a molecule that contains one part oxygen and two parts hydrogen.

So why is the same so different?

When it comes to water in a lake or pond there is a combination of factors that can influence color.  The lake or pond surface can reflect conditions of the sky. 

Dissolved particles may make water look more clear and blue or brown.  Suspended particles reflect light back to us and may make water look more muddy brown, cloudy green, or gray. Nutrient load, algae growth and chemicals can change the color of water.

And just like water, people are the same but different. 

We have a similar chemical formula that makes us all look like people, but what is floating around in our minds makes us so different.    

We are a unique combination of cultural backgrounds, life experiences, personalities, dreams, goals, and challenges that contribute to how we reflect life. What we read, what we choose to belief, and what surrounds us can also influence the way we reflect life.

Both ponds are pretty even though they reflect different colors.  What beauty are you reflecting?

Reviving an Old Tradition

I used to do this, perhaps not every year but come the end of the year or early in the New Year, it was something I liked to do.

I would like to get a little notebook, my pen and find a comfy spot to sit. And then I would think over the past year with of course a cup of fresh coffee by my side.

I didn’t call them resolutions; it was more like reviewing my past year or taking inventory and setting some goals for the New Year. This year I got a new notebook and revived the tradition.

To get my mind rolling I would ask myself some questions like:

• Did I learn something new this year? Could be a hobby, computer program, or a book I read.
  
• Did I travel anywhere? Could be to another country or just to the next town.
  
• Did I make some new friends? Who were they and where did I meet them?
  
• Did I try any new ventures? Did I try a new business, new job or project?
  
• Do I have some great memories? What happened that was memorable?
  

Then I would record some things in my inventory. Here are some examples of what I would list:

1. My weight – Never know when you might come across a great weight loss program (if you need one). Or just a great preventive health measure to monitor your weight.
2. My current job and salary – never know when you might get a promotion, a raise or even a new job? Or a great business idea?
3. My current place of residence – never know when you might move
4. As a writer – write down current places where you’ve published – including blogs, etc. You never know when you discover another great publisher or get that best selling book idea!!
5. Pictures of your home – never know when the next great decorating idea will hit you, or when the clutter bug exterminator comes by.
6. Any Projects that I’ve started and still have an interest in finishing.

I could also record any new things I wanted to try or goals I wanted to accomplish in the next year.

Then I’d close the book and put it away. Just put it in a place I can remember so I can find it next year and compare the results!

Do you have any New Year traditions?