click and listen to a fabulous song by Crosby Stills and Nash.

A New Year has arrived encapsulated with great expectations, at least for some, and hopefully for many!

I tend not to set a bar- neither high nor low. I find myself approaching 2024 typically as I have done in the past. Maybe I don’t set goals for myself because they’re so hard to keep and I’ll likely break them, so why bother? Goals require determination and dedication. I’m not sure I am built for that, which is a major cop-out, but for sure I have made accomplishments in my life, many of which bring me great joy. But, accomplishments usually happen little by little, not by the arduous, daily grind of extraordinary effort (perhaps, a bit overstated ;) Yes, grit and determination often are required, but maybe a slow burn is better than harsh pain. However, there is one long-held common- thread that I do carry out and that is I do dream, and for me, that is a better approach.

I like to dream about how I want my life to be, the word now commonly used is manifest. If you manifest your thoughts, dreams, and desires, they are more likely to become real. I’ve always believed this, although the word wasn’t part of my past vernacular and now a day doesn’t go by that I don’t hear that word.

There are twists and turns to every life. Manifested dreams can be trapped in limbo or drift out to sea in an instant, whether anticipated or not, and it doesn’t have to mean it is a bad thing or a good thing. It’s weird how one moment you can have an idea, a thought, a dream, and suddenly, it becomes messy and confused. What once was clear and exciting can be muddled and dimmed.

Disappointment can disrupt a dream, hopefully, just temporarily. What we manifest can be created out of concrete truth or perhaps magical thinking. Both of which I believe can be profitable. Our dreams should have some whimsy, but when we want our dreams to become a reality, we do need to put a large quantity of effort into making what was once a dream an actuality. However, if what I wish to happen does not, there might be a reason for this shift that I am unaware of and maybe some reflection on my part might be what is needed most of all. Sometimes a shift in the tide might bring a better outcome, whether manifested or not. I think that’s where my faith comes into play.

I am going to try to be open to dreams but with a large dose of reality. I need to look deeply at what is real and true and negate what is false and fictional. I will always be a dreamer, but I am well aware, all my dreams will not come true, and that is totally okay. I have been beyond fortunate in my life- and I never want to take that for granted.

Some thoughts for myself and maybe you:

1) be grateful for each day

2) trust your gut

3) believe in yourself, to a logical degree, but increase your Faith (you never walk alone)

4) listen to those closest to you- they have a great deal of insight

5) slow down, think enjoy the moment and learn from each experience

I hope you listen to the music! Click on the links. A great variety of songs :)