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Happy New Year! I think we all have high hopes for 2022. Being hopeful doesn't feel like enough to me. I'm giving serious thought to what I can do to make it better. As I reflect, I realize that I have not always felt that how things went in my life was my responsibility nor did I feel like I had the power to have much control.

"As children, we absorb and reflect the beliefs, feelings, and 'truths' of our parents."

I looked at the world through my parents' eyes from the time I was born. Even though that's changed quite a bit, in some ways, I'm still influenced by their point of view. "As we grow, we find other ways of looking at life, especially if it becomes a personally preferred point of attraction --- meaning it works better for us." Over time, as I was exposed to other people, teachers, friends and their parents ... I realized there could be many approaches to life. It didn't make my parents "wrong" -- it simply meant that

my world expanded and I was exposed to different things. Some of my new choices felt more comfortable

and because I had the contrast from what I knew from Mum and Dad, I could choose what worked best for me. I believe each generation takes what they learn from the last and makes adjustments. Sometimes it feels like we're throwing the baby out with the bath water, but I believe it's more often a refinement. Especially as a parent, and in general, I know we do the best we can until we find out we can do better. As I've quoted Maya Angelou so many times before:

"Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better."

I will not discredit whatever I did last year and nor should you unless you were knowingly unkind or unfair. In that case, make amends and move forward. Now, in this new year, we can assess what's in front of us and see where our hearts tell us to show up. There is something or someone who needs you, somewhere that could use your gifts, talents, or simply your presence. Call it a resolution or whatever you like, but please turn up the volume on your life. I believe in you, I know you can do it, and this is what I wish for you. Let's do it together!

Sparkles and Love,