I love it – at this time of the year – when I often get updates from friends – letting me know what has been happening in their lives – during the past year.

Of course – these updates can be so very different. Some are full of happy adventures – and great achievements – while others contain sad news – of difficult and hard times – experienced in the past months.

One thing always strikes me – and that is the uncertainty of life – as this quote puts it.

“Life is amazing – and then it’s awful – and then it’s amazing again. And in between the amazing and the awful – it’s ordinary and mundane and routine. Breathe in the amazing – hold on through the ordinary . That’s just living – heart breaking – soul healing – amazing – awful – ordinary life. And it’s breathtakingly beautiful”

I’m not sure if I’ve used that quote before – but I love it- and so it’s worth repeating. Especially for – the wonderful reminder that – life is – breathtakingly beautiful – in spite of at times being awful and heart breaking.

As I send New Year cards – expressing my wishes – for the best for the coming year – I am well aware – that – life is unpredictable – and none of us know what is in store – and how life can change in an instant.

We have experienced how quickly life can change – but for me – it’s been important – to heed this advise expressed here – “Life can change in the blink of an eye – don’t lose hope – just modify”.

And to remember that it’s important not to give up – because of a bad chapter in my life – for – that it is not the end of my story – and I just need to adjust – and keep going.

It’s how I handle the ups and downs in my life – that define me as a person.

And so – as I contemplate entering another year – I do so – mindful of life’s uncertainties – yet hopeful for the opportunities that lie ahead – enabling me to continue to grow even more.

This following quote caught my attention – and I want to make it – ‘a promise’ – to myself for this coming year.

“I release all things from the past year – that have caused any negative attachment. I prepare and welcome new changes – new lessons – and new adventures. I welcome new opportunities to grow emotionally – mentally and spiritually”.

Blessings – Lois