"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have." ~Koenig

Because this week I was particularly disturbed by the troubles of the world, I thought it would be a good time to take the test online at Positivityratio.com again. (see my July 28 blog) Dr Barbara Frederickson suggests you take the test every day for 2 weeks to get a sense of what you are paying attention to. So I did it most days this week. 80% who take this inventory to do not reach the tipping point to flourish, so I did not feel so alone when I didn't reach it either. I decided to be more conscious of what I was paying attention to. I paid attention to things I don't ordinarily notice: waking up under warm covers; the snuggles of my dog; the beauty around me; the taste of my morning tea. and I recited my blessings as I was falling asleep at night. Gratitude is a practice. When I take the time to relish all of the blessings in my life it eases the constant urge to do and have more. I have more than enough.

"When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you." -Lao Tzu

It was a turbulent week on a personal and community level: my mother’s birthday without her here; friends harsh words; community conflict... So much pain overlayed on a holiday season celebrating love & light. Seeking to ease my pain, I opened John O'Donohue's book To Bless the Space Between Us. I was struck by his definition of a blessing: “A circle of light drawn around a person to protect, heal, and strengthen." I found great comfort in his a “Blessing for the New Year”, Beannacht. Listen to the author recite these beautiful blessing himself.

And so may a slow Wind work these words Of love around you, An invisible cloak To mind your life. Selected portion of Beannacht by John O'Donohue

May your New Year contain many blessings.