Welcome 2014

As I scan the pages on my brand new calendar I wonder what lies ahead? Will this year bring happiness, good health and good friendships or will sorrow or sadness fill in the blank spaces of my life? The future remains hidden from us. All we have is this moment.

I hope your moments are good ones. When the uncomfortable moments arrive I try to find some good to focus on. I can look at a sunrise and feel inspired, forgetting my "problem" for a little while. This really works for me. If for some reason I don't find something to inspire me, I can remember a happy time or paint a happy picture in my imagination.

I often think of Helen Keller and wonder how she moved from the isolation caused by her physical disabilities to become a role model for us all. Helen's success didn't happen overnight. She worked very hard to become educated and respected. She never gave up. Her many small setbacks blended with her successes to lead her to her dreams. I believe our lives are built on the choices we make every day. Every choice, even a bad one, can teach us something if we let it.

My wish for you at the beginning of this new year is to let a little sunshine into your life, even on the cloudiest of days. Remember, beyond the clouds the sun is there, shining. Take a bit of that sunlight home to your family to light up their lives a little. Take that light out into the community and let it shine on someone who seems to be having a bad day. Pass it on.

I would like to share with you some words written by the poet, Maya Angelou. "Let nothing dim the light that shines from within." We can each help create a better world for 2014 by brightening up our community, especially for those who struggle or are sick, hurt or lonely.