Handbook for a Better Year

            It’s hard to believe the year is 2015.  It sounds too much like a futuristic science fiction movie but in reality, it really is 2015. A message sent to me by my mother-in-law gave me seven handy hints for a great new year: one to remember each day of the week.

            One: Drink plenty of water. This is a great tip for a healthy body.  It’s common knowledge now that we should all drink at least eight glasses of water every day to feel healthy.

            Two: Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip.  I would say most of the time those unkind things you hear from others are not true and if they are you shouldn’t repeat them.  Life is too short to waste time in passing on unwanted news.  You have no idea what the other person has gone through so don’t pass on any gossip.

            Three: Live by the Three E’s: Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.  All that you spend your time doing can either uplift you or drag you down.  Calling your family often, doing something good for others and forgiving others of any inconveniences can be of great worth in living by the “E’s” of life. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

            Four: Make time to pray.  The world would tell you that praying is a waste of time, but I don’t believe that.  No matter what religious sect you belong to, there is always time to pray.  You can pray while driving to work or cleaning the house or before eating breakfast.  It helps the day go by much better and you will find that enthusiasm and empathy stay with you longer.

            Five: Play more games.  This reminds us how fun life is or is supposed to be.  All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy so find time during the month whether weekly or every other week to play games with your friends and family. 

            Six: Read more books than you did in 2014. Reading is so good for the mind and it can take to far away places which makes it less expensive than taking a trip to Europe.  Reading also helps you ponder the challenges you face every day while also giving you an escape.

            Seven: Take a ten to thirty minute walk daily, and while you walk smile.  I learned something very profound from my own son last week.  His secret to a happier life was to smile all the time.  I was very surprised to hear him say that as he has not always been a happy kid.  No one is in charge of your happiness except you. While the walking is physically good for your heart, the smiling is emotionally good for your soul and everyone else around you. 

            So there you have it, seven helpful hints for a better 2015. Happy New Year.

Happy New Year

jscreationzs'

The start of a new year and the chance to good in the world!!! I woke up with thoughts for a better year. We'll start this year with a bang as we plan the benefit for The Old Loxley Hotel.  Jim and I are doing great things to remodel that building and it will be a great asset to the community.
The rest of my family is doing great things as well--
Sarah and Drew are moving into a house with 2 acres which includes a horse stable. Sarah is very excited to have chickens, goats and horses.
Naomi and Jon are looking for a new house to move into permanently as they prepare for the birth of their second child.
Isaac and Rebekah will be starting new jobs in a new undisclosed location. More on that later.....
Tasha and Matt are working away at their jobs with Arthur and Sadie in tow.  Tasha should be graduating this coming up year with a bachelor's degree.
Caleb will be finishing his associate degree here in Baldwin County and going off to the military.
Eliot will continue doing great things in Albania and possibly other places as well.
Lydia will be graduating in May and then going off to school in Art Education.
Moses will be on the down side of working towards his Eagle Scout award and decide on a project.
Last but not least---Henry.....he will be working on school and doing what he does best--play board games.
You all have great things to contribute to the world!!!! Have a great year!!!