Looking back on 2015 and wondering what the road ahead has in store for us.
Which brings me to the question how much control do we really have over our destiny. There will be decisions that we make which will certainly influence the direction we may take. There are also likely to be events that come from left field and can easily knock us off course. My late brother had a wonderful way of putting it. If things went awry he always used to say “Events, dear boy events!”
One of my favourite verses is-:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.
I think that the last line is one of the most difficult distinctions to make. So often we seem to resist and fight the things in life that we cannot change. This creates a tremendous amount of tension and wasted energy.
I am not a great fan of New Years resolutions, somehow they never seem to turn out the way I had planned. So I shall choose to live my life from day to day moment to moment. This does not mean that I will not make every effort to learn, grow and continue on the road of good habits both mentally and physically. It just means that I will always be starting from where I am which makes sense if you think about it because there is no other place you can possibly start from; whatever has happened in the past is in the past.
I shall continue to meditate using Headspace as I have done for the last two years. This helps me to stay centred and make decisions with more clarity.
I have a couple of voucher codes for a months free trial. If you are interested in taking up this practice leave me a comment or email me direct at chicatanyage(at)iCloud.com.
WISHING ALL MY READERS A VERY HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS 2016.
As a recovering alcoholic (26 years sober!) I can attest that the Serenity Prayer pretty much sums it up for me. There are days, moments even, when I say it to myself over and over. It’s main message is one of ACCEPTANCE. I do not believe “everything happens for a reason” i.e. pre-determined destiny, but it’s hugely important to my survival to LET GO of things I have no power of. This is particularly hard regarding one’s children! Thank you for your blogs, and Happy New Year!
Linda I so agree with your comment regarding one’s children. Mine are both in their 30s with children of their own and I still worry about them! Letting go would be good. I have made some progress on this in 2015.
Thank you so much for your post. I love the serenity prayer and try to practice it everyday in my life. Your suggestion of regular meditation is a wonderful one. I always say that I should do that, but never seem to get it done. You have inspired me…thank you. I wish you all the best in the New Year!
Cherie
http://www.stylenudge.com
Happy New Year to you, Josephine! All the best to you and your family in 2016!
Happy New Year, Josephine… I guess it’s almost that time for you (just 5 PM here.) I really enjoy your blog and all the information, comments, etc. and am glad we “met!”
Happy New Year, Josephine! May 2016 be full of blessings and joy!
Happy New Year, Josephine. I am so grateful for your posts, always something to think about there. May 2016 be a brilliant year!
Happy New Year to you and all my best wishes to you and yours……I so enjoy your blog….I
would be interested in trying Headspace to get started in meditation which I have been seriously thinking about recently, so glad you brought it up!
Josephine. Can I add my best wishes for 2016 and Happy New Year to you and your family
Your blog is an inspiration which I look forward to very much. Like others I appreciate the work that you put into it so regularly
Taking each day at a time is something that I also aspire to sometimes with more success than others I will have a look at Headspace on your advice
Warmest best wishes
Margo
Happy new year to you too. Let’s hope it’s a healthy one. I do enjoy your blog, good that women of our vintage can still take an interest in fashion and makeup and I do feel that if you look good you feel good. It also helps you face whatever life may choose to throw at you!!
Happy New Year! Mediation is one area I hope to grow in for 2016
A happy and healthy new year to us all. I initially found the serenity prayer because my father was an alcoholic, but I am glad to see it again. It is so thoughtful and calming to me.
Hi, am a keen follower of your blog, and am interested in trying out Headspace. As a family we are currently caring for my husbands mum who has terminal cancer. She is 89 years old and still in her own home. Also another family member with a terminal cancer who is only 51 years old. This has been a very difficult situation for us and hope Headspace will help me. Many thanks Chris Townsend.
Hi Chris
A voucher code is on its way to you. Hope Headspace helps you during this difficult time.
Thank you all for your good wishes and lovely comments. Looking forward to continuing to engage with you all this coming year.
Happy New Year Josephine! Beautiful post. I have been meditating for years, but have heard of Headspace and I’m going to give it a try. I would love a voucher code if you have any left.
Thank you so much for sharing your beauty and your chapeau with Hat Attack!
I use Headspace also, and find it enormously helpful for my peace of mind. I like the basic “foundation” meditations best so far. Are there any of the themed “packs” that you particularly like or recommend?
Also I want to add that I love your fashion sense and read your blog regularly. Thank you.
Hi Mercerie
Thank you for your nice comments. I have just done “Generosity”and “Appreciation” packs on head space and liked them both. I also like “acceptance”.