finding joy in 2025

 A new year is upon us. 

None of us knows what these twelve months will bring. Some of us have already experienced tremendous highs and devastating lows. And we're only a month in. 

What I do know is that it's important to be intentional about celebrating the little joys in life, even (or perhaps especially) in the middle of heart breaking, overwhelming, anxiety producing news. 

I also want to be part of bringing light and hope to others. Yes, in ways that I am uniquely created to do.  If I feel prompted to act or speak in an encouraging way, I'm learning to quit overthinking and take the step and do it. Leave the outcome to Someone bigger than me. I am, of course, a work in progress. 

This year, I've taken a few steps to bring (or keep) more joy in my life. That means I've added a new practice or two and ended others. But how to determine what to change?  

I'm a fan of doing some regular reflection - attempting to make a habit of month end and year end (and sometimes day's end) reviews. What worked? What didn't work? What brought me joy? What drained me? What do I want more of? What do I want less of, or even to eliminate from my life at this time? When did I feel close to God? When did I feel distant? How did I fill my days? Sometimes you really don't know until you take some quiet moments to sit and think and perhaps journal reflectively. The next step might become clearer. 

A few gifts I've enjoyed this month: 

• almost daily 20 minute yoga
• a daily morning coffee/latte from our new Nespresso machine (crema...yum!)
• having a church acquaintance over for supper on a whim
• enjoying Harry Potter book #3-- no, I've never read them until this past month or so. I've watched the first movie. 
• spotting a tiny (northern pygmy?) owl perched on a rock near our shrubs, staring at me  as I stepped outside near the end of the day #abirdfromtheLord :)

Have you uncovered the gifts in your everyday life?  Take a little time to look for them. They are there. 

Stepping into a New Year

The past few days, I have been reviewing my year by looking back at journals, photos, calendars, etc. I've reflected to gain a bit of clarity... what worked, what didn't work, highs, lows, gratitudes, what I'm holding onto, what I'm letting go, and so on.  I probably spent too much time looking back, but I believe it's quite true that you really can't move ahead until you look back. These reflections help me make acknowledge and accept my life as it has changed this past year. And then I look ahead to map out a plan of sorts for the new year. 

photo from jesuitinstitute.org

One of the most helpful exercises was working through a year-end Examen exercise. The Examen is generally used as a reflection of the day by prayerfully answering a few simple questions.  The particular Examen document  I used for my year end originally came from Rev. Summer Gross of The Presence Project, although I can't seem to locate the online PDF anymore.   It included looking back for consolations and being curious with desolations.  Consolation literally means 'with the sun' and desolation means 'without the sun'. It reminds me where I felt connected to God and where I experienced distress, overwhelm, and negative feelings. What gave me life and what drained my energy? With this clarity, I could look back at my soul's journey, and be reminded that God is with me in everything! 

This activity, as well as a few others, has helped me reorient myself for the year ahead. I know how fleeting these moments of surety and confidence can feel, though. I've even had moments today of overwhelm simply by reading one too many Instagram news posts on what is happening in Canada with more lockdowns and craziness. Arghh! 

Here's to one foot in front of the other in 2022, hand in hand with our loving Creator. 

Photo by Jordan Wozniak on Unsplash

~gratefulness in the autumn season~

Although September is my favorite month of the year, October isn't too bad either, especially the first few weeks. As long as there isn't any snow, it gets my vote. It's the time of year when mornings are crisp, grass is still green, leaves are starting to change color, and the skies are mesmerizing.  I am reminded what a beautiful area I live in. 

 I've started walking more regularly again, usually in the morning. I haven't been able to do too much lately due to a lower back injury that has taken some time to heal.  Just twisted the wrong way, I think, and OH. MY! I felt like an invalid.  I  vowed to get outside and walk regularly once I felt better. 

 Getting older means things don't seem to heal up as quickly as they used to. I mean, it's been over a month and I'm finally feeling close to normal! I'm able to lift, squat, do gentle yoga, and walk up and down stairs, even run again. By run, I mean walk/run a couple minutes here and there. I haven't actually RUN for a while, although I have a hankering (could be fleeting) to perhaps work up to a 5 km run again. 

Do you make vows with yourself, too? IF this, that, or the other, THEN I'll blah blah blah. 

I am regularly grateful for my health.  I certainly don't want to take it for granted. As the song says, you don't know what you've got till it's gone. 

Do you love October where you live? 

Hope of all the Earth

1. Come, Thou long-expected Jesus,
   Born to set Thy people free;
   From our fears and sins release us,
   Let us find our rest in Thee.
   Israel’s Strength and Consolation,
   Hope of all the earth Thou art;
   Dear Desire of every nation,
   Joy of every longing heart.
2. Born Thy people to deliver,
   Born a child and yet a King,
   Born to reign in us forever,
   Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
   By Thine own eternal Spirit
   Rule in all our hearts alone;
   By Thine all sufficient merit,
   Raise us to Thy glorious throne.
3. Charles Wesley

Good for the Soul

What better way to spend an hour or two on a beautiful Sunday afternoon than out in nature? 

To leave the city, even if it's only for an hour or two. 

To feel the crunch of the leaves and twigs as I hike up the winding path up to the top. 

To reach the top of Gibraltar Rock, getting a bird's eye view of this beautiful lake and surrounding hills.

To be reminded of the gift of life -- to feel my heart pumping and hear my heavy breathing. 

 To stop and watch for signs of life. 

To be alone -- no other humans around except for me and the one I love.  

To watch my little dog romp about and be such a trooper, even though his little legs have to work double time to climb this winding path. 

To say thanks, God, for the beauty you have created for us to enjoy and for the healing touch of your creation. 

2016 -- a year of plans and surprises

I'm just squeaking in under the wire with my year end post.

Mostly I just wanted to say Happy New Year to all of my fellow bloggers who have checked in on this little blog now and then. I know, I haven't been very consistent. So, thanks for following me by email or in your favorite reader this year, so as not to miss these important life-changing posts ;)  Seriously, I do appreciate you reading and commenting. Thanks! You are awesome!

I've read some very inspiring, encouraging thoughts approaching 2016.  So  many good words on so many blogs and in books.

The truth is, we might have many plans and goals for the New Year, but we don't really know what's going to happen. As Solomon said in Proverbs 19:21: We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God's purpose prevails. (from The Message)
I don't see this as a warning. I see it as encouragement. God knows what He is doing. God sees from a different vantage point than we do. God is good and He is loving. So, we can enter a new year with hope and comfort, no matter what happens.

Expecting A Surprise

Each day holds a surprise. But only if we expect it can we see, hear, or feel it when it comes to us. Let's not be afraid to feel each day's surprise, whether it comes to us as sorrow or joy. It will open a new place in our hearts, a place where we can welcome new friends and celebrate more fully our shared humanity. 

from Bread For The Journey by Henri Nouwen (Jan. 1)

 I do think making plans is a good thing. I can't help myself.. I keep thinking of what I want to challenge myself with this year. So, there's the balance.. making plans but holding them loosely.

Do you have big plans and dreams for this next year?

Happy New Year, everyone!