We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day. ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Photo by mconnors

As we turn the page to a new year, life looms before us filled with opportunities and unexplored dreams.  Take the time today to really consider what that means to your life and set goals for reaching your dreams this year.

Don't worry that you dream too big, as that is seldom the case. It is not that our dreams are too big that cause I us to fail, it is that our faith is too small.

Cultivate the faith to believe you can accomplish your hearts desires, as your life will follow wherever you thoughts lead. It is up to you to set the sails and determine the direction you will go.

Cast off the belief that people and circumstances control your destiny, for surely your faith and determination are greater than the minor details that appear to hold you back.

Go ahead. Open the book. Begin writing the pages of a brand new year, filled with hope and promise of all good things that will come to pass. Get ready for the amazing journey that lies before you. You have the power inside you to make things happen. It's always been there. Isn't it time you set it free?

Today, I am grateful for a fresh new slate to start a new year, for the faith to carrying through and for the vision to see where I need to go. I am grateful for the "still quiet voice" that guides me, for the power to realize my dreams and the courage to stand by my beliefs.


I am grateful for the drive and determination to succeed in everything I do, for a sound mind that will see me through and for a healthy strong body to support me. I am grateful for renewed energy and a renewed mind that sees clearly where I need to go.


I am grateful for family that share my journey, for readers who benefit from my words and for opportunities I have yet to see. I am grateful for love, for laughter and for quiet moments to reflect on the beauty of nature, the song of the bird and the incredible will and faith of people around me. 


I am grateful for those who share my vision of a bright tomorrow, who are willing to work toward their goals by casting their gaze on all that is good and just in the world, and who know that the real power to change the world lies within each of us.


I am grateful for music that lifts up my soul, for a higher being that knows exactly where I should go and who never tires of showing me the way.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May your vision is bright and your heart be light as you go forth to realize your dreams in this glorious new year.

When you follow your bliss... doors will open where you would not have thought there would be doors; and where there wouldn't be a door for anyone else. ~Joseph Campbell

Photo by johnwollring





Yesterday we talked about finding your purpose in life and following your passion. Joseph Campbell, a scholar and professor, refers to that passion as bliss, and reminds us of how important it is to act when inspiration strikes.

Sometimes, taking action isn't easy. You may experience fear or hesitation because you aren't sure how others will react--or you may simply fear that you don't have what it takes to act on your inspiration and pursue your purpose.

May you let go of your fears today and step forth when inspiration strikes and know in your heart that you do have what it takes to fulfill your purpose and your dreams.

Today, I am grateful for a morning off to write about the things that are important to me, for time to relax and refocus my energy and for renewed energy to reach my goals.


I am grateful for the doors that open allowing me to pursue my dreams. I am grateful for light and shadows cast from the sun that beautifies my world. I am grateful for a warm home to shelter me from the cold.


I am grateful for family and friends who make my life full, for teachers who work to improve the lives of children and children who look eagerly toward Christmas.


And, I am grateful for you, dear reader as you stop to share my day. May you act when inspiration strikes and go forward boldly to fulfill your dreams.

"There are two great days in a person's life--the day we are born and the day we discover why." William Barclay

Photo by hotblack





Many of us confuse our purpose in life with our job or profession and neglect to find our real purpose.

Purpose is larger than your profession--more than your role in society. You may enjoy your job or relish your role as mother or wife, but that's not your purpose. Your purpose is the over-arching thing you were sent here to do.

You will recognize your purpose as that which brings you joy,  provides you with energy and improves the lives of others. According to Edward Diener, a psychologist and researcher at the University of Illinois, one of the main ingredients necessary to experience a joyful life is the belief that your life has a greater meaning. Those who have a sense of purpose in life, live longer and healthier lives.

Some, of course, experience the joy of finding a profession that allows them to further their purpose in life, but that is not always the case. In Happy for No Reason, Marci Shimoff  shares that a 2005 study revealed that less than 20% of working American's are passionate about their job, leaving 4 out of 5 Americans spending 40 hours or more a week occupied by tasks that do not promote their real purpose in life. If you find yourself one of those 4, it's time to find your passion, harness your purpose and get on with finding real joy in your life.

May your purpose be clear, and your path to happiness come into focus today, as your strive to reach your goals and fulfill your dreams.

Today, I am grateful to be alive, for the ability to pursue my dreams and for the wisdom to recognize my life's purpose. 

I am grateful  for worn comfy slippers that warm my toes, for snow that has enveloped my world, and my husband who tirelessly clears the driveway.

I am grateful to be blessed with two wonderful children who never cease to amaze me with their concern for others, their selfless giving and their sense of right and wrong.

And, I am grateful for you, dear reader, as you stop to share my day. May your joy be full and your purpose be clear as you go forth to claim happiness for no reason.