As I sit down to write my final blog of the calendar year, I find myself hoping that maybe, just maybe, I will pen the ultimate post of inspiration - a true masterpiece for life - and bring an ideal close to another year. One would think after five years I might realize this isn’t going to happen, and that a looming deadline will have me once again relying on the good ‘ol Letterman Top 10 to wrap up the year. So, I grabbed a couple of loyal friends and came to a consensus on the themes we thought would be great to bring into 2012. And here they are:
10. O.H.I.O. – Only Handle It Once – one of the best tips I’ve received and it has been a prominent theme in my life. No sense putting off the little stuff, just get it done now!
9. Lamenting the Door – Helen Keller said it best, “When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one, which has been opened for us.”
8. If You Don’t Ask for It, Don’t Expect It and as a followup, Just Because You Ask for It, Don’t Expect It – the titles say it all – sometimes we need to get our “expectors” in line.
7. Set Your Internal Egg Timer – if we don’t set time limits on processing difficult situations or ruminating on events of the past, we could spend a lot of time with no change in the outcome. Personally, I think 30 minutes is best.
6. Too Much Emphasis on the “I” – God will not give you more than you can handle, but often, it isn’t us that is given the strength. Sometimes that strength comes from those around us. Don’t be afraid to accept their help.
5. I Know, I Know, I Know – just because we know we ought to do something doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be held accountable. Maybe it’s time to actually put our knowledge into action.
4. Be a Blessing Everyday – it is easy to get caught up in our own needs, but making a conscious effort each day to bless someone else will always bring you favor in spades.
3. The 21-Day R&R Challenge – sorry, not rest and relaxation. This is about intentionally removing resentments and regrets from your life. Easier said than done!
2. Teach ‘em to Fish – it’s a lot better to invest the time up front to teach someone to stand on their own. It is proven to remove the “why do I always have to do everything?” saying from your vocabulary.
1. The “So What” Holiday – not just for Christmas anymore. This also works well for many events in our lives where we get so wrapped up in the details that we forget to have a good time.
As always, I want to wish all of you a Happy New Year and hope nothing but blessings, good fortune, and health to all my loyal readers. Until next year…
Hi Ben – I am glad you enjoyed the blog – wasn’t sure how many would be reading during the holidays! I hope you have a wonderful 2012!
Posted by: Susan Schneider | January 04, 2012 at 12:58 PM
Hey Mike – great to hear from you and thank you for the comment! I may be a little biased – but #7 is one of my favorites too. Have a wonderful New Year!
Posted by: Susan Schneider | January 04, 2012 at 12:58 PM
I appreciate your blog each week and while I don't comment often, you've listed some great ideas and suggestions for 2012.
#7 hits home.
Take care, Happy New Year and let's make 2012 wonderful for all.
Posted by: Mike McCarthy | December 28, 2011 at 11:19 AM
Susan thanks for the inspiration and Happy New Year to you too!
Posted by: Ben Ferguson | December 28, 2011 at 07:30 AM