Time to say goodbye to 2024 and prepare for 2025. Can you believe it? This year just flew by for me. How about you?
A lot happened in 2024. I'm not going to detail history here, but it seems 2024 was a rough year for a lot of folks, including yours truly.
Before we usher in the New Year though, I am a firm believer in taking time to reflect on the year that is ending to bring closure and to revisit our priorities for the year ahead to see where we might need to make adjustments.
Every year does not go as planned and we have to be willing to deal with whatever comes our way. This is where a spiritual practice is vital. Life can throw us a curve ball and if we are not prepared, it can really be hard to navigate.
1. What are some good things you accomplished this year?
Created and published my new ebook "How to Develop a Spiritual Practice". Get it FREE when you join our community. Simply enter your email address in the box provided.
Published my newest book on spiritual growth that was five years in the making "Ignite the Power Within: 10 Steps to Strengthen Your Spiritual Muscle." Well, now that I check, it was published on Dec. 30, 2023. I'm counting it!
Helped Mom move to an assisted living since her fall and spinal fracture in February, 2024. Sadly she only lasted 2 1/2 months there and passed in July. Picked out a lovely white casket and casket flowers for a service at the Greek Church Cemetery here in Baltimore after having her body shipped up from Texas.
As executrix, was able to get the funds to all the family members listed in Mom's will. And complete her 2023 tax return since her accountant disappeared. It's a tough job taking care of someone else's finances and final wishes, but I am glad I am able to do it. Life hands us some tough responsibilities but God is always our copilot.
How about you?
2. Did you learn something new? Try something new? Buy something new?
Santa brought me a new Nespresso machine for Christmas. It's a whole new learning process complete with an app! An app to run a coffee machine? Yup! Made my first cuppa this morning and it was delicious.
Continued my new hobby of making homemade greeting cards which is a fun and mindful activity as well as creative. People seem to appreciate them.
Due to all the extra responsibilities for my mom, was not able to work on marketing my book or practicing my languages. As the ancients say, take care of what is right in front of you and do it with grace.
How about you? What new thing did you try or do this year?
3. What lessons did you learn this year?
Have you heard the phrase "Stay in your own lane"? Well, I've been practicing that. How to you interpret this phrase? Write and let us know.
Not every is thankful or shows appreciation for gifts. That makes me sad.
My peace and my joy don't depend on other people's behavior. It is a choice we make no matter what our circumstances.
What lessons did you learn this year?
4. Who did you connect with this year?
Some new friends at church who sit with me at the concerts in the summer.
Online bloggers and Youtube folks.
My nephews and cousins who are out of state. Been having some good conversations so that is a blessing.
5. How did you use your time this year?
We make our plans and our goals, but sometimes our time is not our own. When we are working we have a schedule and deadlines or quotas to meet. When we retire, other responsibilities like elderly relatives and grandkids own our time. The key is to accept the will of God, and make the best of it.
As I mentioned, most of the year was spent taking care of my 95 year old mom who lived out of state. Arranging caregivers after her fall in February. Searching and visiting assisted living places in Ft. Worth. Selecting one and get her moved and you know what that involves. She was very unhappy about having to get rid of more stuff but those assisted living units are tiny. And then it was the funeral, her taxes, the will, and all her outstanding financial bills and issues. Whew!
Some years are tough and this was certainly one of them. Still need to do donations and financial stuff and her final tax return for 2024. If you've lost a loved one this year, take good care of yourself because no matter how you slice it, it is a stressful period. Remember - this too shall pass and don't pressure yourself to get it all done pronto - like I did. Live and learn.
In my book "Take Back Your Life - 5 Keys to Reclaiming Your Personal Power" I describe the five areas of life we all need to prioritize so we can have a healthy, successful, and balanced life. Often we spend most of our time on stuff that really doesn't matter and not enough time on the stuff that does matter.
When chaos hits, we better know what's most important overall or we will be shattered. To learn these foundational principles, order your copy today. Also available on Amazon and Apple Books.
For Reflection
I hope you were encouraged by this post. If so, join our community and receive my weekly newsletter to get up close and personal. Enter your email address in the box provided. You'll also receive a copy of my free e-guide, "How to Develop a Spiritual Practice". We're all on a journey so we might as well travel together and a spiritual practice helps us get through the rough patches with more grace and equanimity.
Stay tuned for more practical and positive wisdom on igniting the power within and discovering YOUR destiny!
Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year and remember -
Ariel Paz
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