BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality Spirituality A New Year, a New Outlook - Article

There is renewed hope for the upcoming year just on the horizon.

A New Year, a New Outlook

Please read my latest article on the Spirituality site. Your feedback is always welcome!

Debbie, this line really spoke to me:

These experiences leave us feeling upbeat and ready to take on another year full of promise.

As I grow older, I see how our choices narrow with age. Physical barriers, less time to start long-term projects, and less energy are all facts of life for me. So, to think of the new year as "full of promise" just makes my heart sing.

Thank you for reading my article, Connie. I am glad it spoke to you personally and gave you hope for the coming year.

Would anyone care to share any changes you've made since the beginning of the year that affect you spiritually?

Lovely piece, Debbie! I felt entirely hopeful to be reminded about the endless possibilities!

As you know, I spent the new year in the ICU and it was a great opportunity to reflect. My body had been cleaned out entirely. One might think that it was a terrible omen for the coming year but I did not feel that at all. I felt as though it was symbolic for a new, clean start.

I eat clean, whole foods and less quantity in general. This way, my body still feels light and clean. We often don't realize that our physical bodies house our spirits and thus affects our spirituality.

There is a great sense of peace and a clearer connection to spirit for me now more than ever. I follow the peace in my life (and indulge in what brings me peace) without guilt, too. For example, some people might cringe at my choice of music (ambient New Age/spiritual) but it puts me in a state of peace and bliss so I have released the need to make "excuses" for my tastes.

Same with the food I eat. Same with the films I watch. Same with the books I read and the things I choose to do. Even with the topics I write about.

This year, I have released the need to seek the approval of others. I have found that being true to myself takes courage and self-trust but it is the only way to live in peace. Inner peace.

I may not be much in the eyes of society. I may not be a great writer or play a pivotal role in the advancement of humankind as I can only be me. But being me is what I was created for and what I was sent to do. It is enough. I am thankful for that and the peace it brings me. If I can be of service to others in a small way by being me...that is a divine privilege indeed.

Thanks for the prompting to reflect. Love you lots, Debbie.

Lori.....thank you for reading my article. I am happy that it resonated with you

You definitely have been making some very positive changes both physically and spiritually for your continued healing and progress. You also realize that in your own unique way you do have value and a purpose for being here. Your presence and loving support will indeed help others to find their way along their journey.

Sounds like you are on the right track and I wish you well. Keep us posted!

Lori, I think that you are a great writer. That's a fact.

I am preparing to leave my full-time teaching job. I'm calling it retirement, but the only thing that I am retiring from is that job. While I love my students, the job as a whole is affecting my outlook on life and my health. It's time to move on.

Connie and Debbie, you're both such joyful souls. Thank you for your support. It means more to me than you can ever know. Even though we live far apart, your influence in my life has kept me going through tough times. Truly, you are God's gift to me and this world we live in.

Connie, I applaud your bravery. It is hard to leave a good position (I know as I left a full-time teaching position!) I, too, love the kids but the job surely isn't nourishing for the soul in today's educational environment. Congratulations. I know you'll move onto more important endeavors. What could be more important than your family and your own spiritual progression?