Year End: Appreciation and Reflection

As the year transitions to dusk and a fresh New Year is about to rise like the glorious brilliant sun on a clear day, it is often easy to neglect the importance of appreciation and reflection due to our busy schedules. The holiday season provides an excellent opportunity to consider what we are truly thankful for and demonstrate gratitude and appreciation for individuals who assist with our successes and aid in our difficult times. Some holidays have a tradition of gift exchange, which I believe, is one opportunity to demonstrate our appreciation. I believe the simple traditions of unselfish friendship and providing assistance can be of greater value then any monetary gifts. I understand some of us are in need of the basic necessities, such as shelter, food, caregivers, medicine or medical assistance, and monetary gifts can truly be a valued necessity. Beyond life’s necessities, I believe the gift of life and friendship is an invaluable gift that should be cherished.  Although we may have had challenges and unforeseen difficulties in the past year, I hope we can find reasons to celebrate the joyful season and reflect on the passing year with gratitude.

I have many reasons to smile, rejoice, reflect and celebrate. All I need to do to reestablish a gratitude mind-set is to think about my first Christmas after losing my eyesight. Lying in a hospital bed for seven months listening to patients experiencing pain and other unpleasant medical treatments, reinforces how very grateful I was and still am to receive the gift of life and the ability to leave the hospital to pursue my dreams.

Special Thoughts during Holidays describes some details of my first blessed New Year as a blind person.

After reflecting on this year, I plan to increase my effectiveness at acting unselfishly and demonstrating gratitude towards friends, family, co-workers, neighbors and other individuals who truly make a difference in my personal and professional life. I also plan to appreciate the many new acquaintances I will be able to meet on my walks.

After reflecting on this year, what are you thankful for? What traits will you attempt to enhance to promote success and gratitude? Did others play an important role in your life? Do you have any stories to share with examples of how valuing friendship increased your success or happiness, or the individual you were assisting?  Any examples of priceless gifts? We all look forward to hearing from you.

As this year closes, I wish you the very best in the New Year.

Bill Tipton

Contributing Author,

Global Dialogue Center

http://www.globaldialoguecenter.com/

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/wdtipton

Facebook: http://profile.to/wdtipton

Twitter: http://twitter.com/wdtipton

Comments

[Gayle]

Dear Bill,
I woke up today dreading some of the chores I had to do. I was angry because I need to deal with an insurance company who won't cover thousands of dollars of damages to our property (they won't cover wind!) and I have to chase down a vacation rental owner who is attempting to steal a lot of money from us.

And then I read your blog post and realized how lucky I am. Instead of being unhappy at the end of 2011, I suddenly feel blessed. Thank you Bill and all the best to you and your family in 2012!

Gayle :)

[Debi Roberts]

Bill, thank you for your example of a gracious hospitable individual. When my mom and I went over the hill to Santa Cruz with you and Kathy, the trip was such a delight for both myself and my mom. She had such a wonderful time and enjoyed you and your lovely wife's company. In this season of gift giving, often monetary gifts take the place of more personal ones. I am finding that the precious gift of one's time is the most valuable gift of all. The time spent in your family's company was my mom's best gift so far in 2012. Warmest Regards, Debi Roberts

[Bill Tipton]

Hello Gayle, Debi and all.

Thank you for your valuable comments and demonstrating appreciation of others by taking the time to contribute to our conversation. Also your comments are an excellent example of how we can provide our time to initiate ideas and contribute to our conversation as a gift to all.

Does anyone else have additional comments that might help us?

We all look forward to hearing your thoughts and comments to celebrate appreciation and value reflection.

Bill

Bill Tipton
Contributing Author,
Global Dialogue Center
http://www.globaldialoguecenter.com/
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/wdtipton
Facebook: http://profile.to/wdtipton
Twitter: http://twitter.com/wdtipton