Cherishing a Reflection

What was once known as a New Year is winding down and will soon close making way for the next. In 12 months what was accomplished, what memories filled your heart with joy, and what is your hope for a better tomorrow? As you walked the path before you, working to overcome the hurdles that stood in your way, you now find that your footsteps are exactly in the same place that they were a year ago, with one exception. The New Year will bring new goals and resolutions as you look forward to beginning again with a renewed strength.

Just before the onset of the New Year arriving, you must go through the hustle and bustle of the holidays. It is this time of year that means many things to many people. It may mean shopping for the perfect gift, making a special family recipe to share during the big meal, for some it will mean a tree glittering with colored lights, and for others it means special moments with family crammed into a small window of time.

Everyone seems to be hurried as they race against the unyielding moments whirling away from them. You rush to the store to purchase the latest hot item that is on sale. You drop with exhaustion at the end of the day, wondering where you will find the strength to get through tomorrow?

Have you ever stopped time for even a split second? Instead of rushing through the store have you taken a moment to look at those around you? Perhaps a smile or a gesture of kindness will stop the clock to a slower pace. Have you ever stopped at a street light and watched all the people in the vehicles pass you by? Each of them having their own lives, their own set of problems, hopes, disappointments and yet for a split second your lives were connected.

Every single moment within a day you have connected with others in so many ways. So much in fact that it really goes unnoticed, because life is complicated and it distracts everyone from realizing what is important every moment of every year.

This holiday season may hold for some individuals memories that they wish they could change. The loss of a job, a death in the family, any tragedy really would break the hearts that should be looking forward to the upcoming season.

The children rely on memories to build a future. They are molded into adults by the moments that are shared with them. I was fortunate to have a grandma that made the holidays special as she baked her Santa Claus cookies. Not once did I have the heart to ruin this moment for her, or to let her know that I hated coconut. So I would carefully break off his beard and hide it in the trash. I am sure she knew, but she never took that moment away from me. The gift that she provided was clear and cherished. It was her sharing and my act of kindness that provided a bond between the moments we shared. It was the memories and the moments that I took with me throughout my life, and I used it to build my future.

As you begin to enjoy the moments that have been given to you, please look around you and be aware of those that feel a loss this holiday season. There was a time that communities would come together and help those that were having a difficult time. During this holiday season, try to create a community that stops time and slows it down so that others may catch up, by providing your assistance.

I am wishing for all of you a very wonderful holiday season that is safe and memorable with each and every encounter. Whether it be at the store, while sitting in your car, a phone call, or as you go out to get your mail. Take a moment to let the person next to you know that they were worth sharing a moment with, by cherishing a reflection.

Happy Holidays!
Carolyn Lee, CPRW, CEIP
Senior Consultant
I.A.M. Resumes
www.IAMresumes.net