Today I was thinking about how every year, as of late, I welcome in the New Year by hoping it proves to be better than the year that came before it. No longer am I the joyful soul who, as in years long past, would look back wistfully on the year that was ending...sorry to see it over. Often, I found myself focused not on all the blessings I had received, but rather, the disappointments.
Today, however, I remembered a story that I had read many years ago and thought perhaps, it might hold the key to future happiness. It was the story of an old beggar woman who sat at the side of the road, on the outskirts of a little town. Passersby would ask her what type of life might await them if they chose to make this town their home. Before she replied, she would first seek to ascertain what type of life they had enjoyed in the town that they were leaving. To those who grumbled that they were leaving a miserable life, one fraught with pain and hardship, she would say that the new town held the same. To those, however, who said their lives had been joyful, filled with prosperity and happiness, she assured them that more good fortune awaited them here, as well. It was never the town, of course; it is only ones perspective. So this year, I welcome this new beginning with a grateful heart...and a hope for continued blessings. I will look back at any challenges that I encountered in my past, with the knowledge that I have become a better person because of them. I will also, strive to remember the joys I have known and anticipate, with great excitement, the many new joys, that are sure to await me.
Happy New Year to all. May this year be as good as you aspire to make it.
Today, however, I remembered a story that I had read many years ago and thought perhaps, it might hold the key to future happiness. It was the story of an old beggar woman who sat at the side of the road, on the outskirts of a little town. Passersby would ask her what type of life might await them if they chose to make this town their home. Before she replied, she would first seek to ascertain what type of life they had enjoyed in the town that they were leaving. To those who grumbled that they were leaving a miserable life, one fraught with pain and hardship, she would say that the new town held the same. To those, however, who said their lives had been joyful, filled with prosperity and happiness, she assured them that more good fortune awaited them here, as well. It was never the town, of course; it is only ones perspective. So this year, I welcome this new beginning with a grateful heart...and a hope for continued blessings. I will look back at any challenges that I encountered in my past, with the knowledge that I have become a better person because of them. I will also, strive to remember the joys I have known and anticipate, with great excitement, the many new joys, that are sure to await me.
Happy New Year to all. May this year be as good as you aspire to make it.
You are so right my friend, it is always the perspective. I had no shoes and I felt bad until I saw someone with no feet....
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