Six months into this project I can tell you with confidence that slowing down, learning to create my own happiness and taking time to take stock of how humbled I should be and fortunate I am have had a dramatic effect on me. In 6 months almost everything has changed, but many things are still the same -- I've just learned to appreciate their beauty. In the process I have found myself and become the best version I think I've ever been. I've been given so many incredible opportunities, and I am so blessed to have the love of Mr. Wonderful, my friends and my family. I now wake up every day with a sense of hope and purpose, both in the short- and long-term. I feel as though I have everything I've ever wanted, and as if I can make a difference.
There are no words to describe how this feels. To wake up in a home I love and feel comfortable in, to go to work at a job that I like and with people I love, to give back in ways that help others and simultaneously enrich me and along the way to experience the love of friends and family -- these are priceless things. I wish everyone could have them; not just those I love. And the fact that I have a few material things that I enjoy and otherwise appreciate and a little bit of money in the bank is icing on the cake.
I don't have power, fame or fortune -- and yet I feel as though I have the world. It is more than enough. And the fact that my cup overfloweth only fuels my desire to do more to help others, to help them heal their hurts and, in turn, help still others. I don't know how those who have been given so much could ever become complacent. With what little I have I want to use it in ways that I can be of service to others. I only wish I had more and more to give.
2012 is a year that holds great promise. It holds beauty, love and laughter and opportunities for me to pour out blessings on others.
Tomorrow I will give you a run-down of each of the reminders I identified to be grateful and humble during the last week that included Christmas. But today I leave you with this: the New Year holds great promise (#290). How amazing!
-Me