So here we are, ten days into the New Year. What will it bring? Has it been a good start? What about resolutions? Were they made? Have they been broken?
My year started out in a variety of ways. On New Year’s Eve my daughter and her family were driving north to visit family when she hit black ice and rolled her vehicle twice, ending up in the ditch. The three children, ages 4, 8, and 12, were fine, as was her boyfriend. My daughter slammed her elbow into the driver’s window and needed stitches, and she had a couple scratches on her face, but other than that no serious injuries. Unfortunately the vehicle was totaled, and she only had PLPD insurance, so they are down to a single cab pickup with a family of five. 
Here is where viewpoint is important. Is it horrifying that they rolled….well, yes, the outcome could have been far worse. Should everyone be upset that they are without a car and don’t have the ability to purchase another? Of course that is a dilemma that must be dealt with. However, the overall important thing is that no one suffered any severe, life-altering injuries, especially the children. So, with that we can say that their New Year got off to a good start. They came through a scary, dangerous accident without anyone being seriously hurt. Celebrate the positive!
As for me, my New Year weekend was both work and relaxing. I had a four-day weekend during which I never left the house. I took down my tree, sorted and packed items to go to my kids, and also sorted and packed items for me to take when I downsize and others to go into my estate sale. I came across things I had forgotten about, and spent some time looking at some old pictures of ancestors. Some would consider a long weekend home alone and working on household tasks a lonely, sad existence. I am on a time frame to get through all my belongings in preparation for downsizing and an estate sale this spring, so having a long weekend to work on my project was positive. Celebrate the positive!
Every year I keep a list in my “notes” section on Facebook of the books I read that year. My goal is always 52 (one per week), but I have never made that. The best I have done is around 26. Last year on the 14th of March I had only just finished my second book of the year. This year I finished my first on the 4th of January and am more than halfway through my second. I’m not holding my breath on making 52 for the year, but the odds are favorable so far. Celebrate the positive!
So now ten days into the new year I sometimes look around me and wonder how I am ever going to get through everything I need to by the end of March. I also worry about my son, who is trying to find a place to live as he is currently staying with me, being able to find a home and move out by the time needed. On a positive note, he also has quite a few tubs packed with his belongings. We can only hope that it all falls into place without a problem. I’m not ready to celebrate yet, but I am trying to think positive.
How is your new year going so far? Regardless of whether you have had downfalls or things to celebrate, remember to keep thinking positive. A good attitude can get you through anything.
--- LIFE IS A MELTING POT --- Grace Grogan...Writer, Photographer 