Happy New Year! I can hardly believe 2011 is here!
Okay, I actually say that EVERY January with surprise that the new year has arrived even though I’ve been anticipating it for the last few months. So, I’m making a New Year’s Resolution to not say “I can’t believe it’s 2012” next year! J
Speaking of New Year’s Resolutions, I have picked my theme for 2011. For those not understanding, I don’t make resolutions at the beginning of the year; instead, I pick a theme and then set various goals around that theme. Last year my theme was Kindness, which inspired this blog (more to come in 2011!), and I had a fantastic year learning about, witnessing, and being the recipient of much kindness.
This year, I had a few different, yet related ideas, but I couldn’t figure out how to combine them into one single theme and I was unsettled choosing just one. Then out of the blue, inspiration hit at the oddest of events…strategic planning for a client. What transpired to bring about my sudden inspiration is another story, but when I heard these words, I knew I had my theme that combined all of my desires for this coming year.
Live a Generous Life
I immediately looked up the definition of generous and to my delight, there were three definitions that encompassed my other thought-about themes.
1) “Liberal in giving or sharing”
2) “Free from meanness or smallness of mind or character; magnanimous; noble”
3) “Large; abundant”
What I love most about these definitions collectively is that they combine the act of giving and sharing material abundance as well as giving, sharing and cultivating goodness of character.
I am challenged to give more of myself.
◉ I can give time
◉ I can share talents
◉ I can offer love, kindness, forgiveness and understanding
◉ I can genuinely extend compliments and praise
◉ I can be slow to anger and offense
◉ I can seek and create positive experiences for myself and for others
◉ I can be more concerned with how others feel
◉ I can cultivate a heart of gratitude
◉ I can approach each day with a determination to live present and live fully!
So here's a toast to a splendid 2011! May yours be filled with the sweetness that comes from generosity and kindness.
