Yes, it is Wednesday; however, we didn't want to miss sending this week's On-Track Tuesday email.

Consider this to be Off-Track Tuesday!

January is almost over and for those of you who know us, we are deep in Portfolio Reviews for those submitting this month.

Hence the Off-Track Tuesday!

I would like to thank Lorraine Gambacourt for offering to do this week's Blog!

By Lorraine Gambacourt, RDH:

“Out with the old and in with the new!” as they say…

I always think of January as a time of renewal. A time to reflect on the previous year. A time to think about what went well, and what I would like to change. I think about what I learned from experiences and what I would like to learn and experience… And a time to purge and DECLUTTER. Simplicity itself is therapeutic and brings with it renewed energy!

I think about my relationships—how I could be a better mother, wife, sister and friend. I make decisions about how I am going to nurture these relationships THIS year. Maybe reach out and call someone, instead of just sending a text. Maybe I could compliment people more and tell them how much they mean to me. Maybe I could tell people more that I appreciate them and am glad they are in my life…

This year I pulled one of my favourite books from my library of many books. It was given to me in my early thirties, at a time when I felt lost. I cried a lot. Even though I had much to be grateful for, which I was, I felt sad—like something was missing from my life but I couldn’t put my finger on it. This book transformed me….

The book is called, “Simple Abundance—A Daybook of Comfort and Joy”. The title itself brings relief don’t you think?! Every day you read one passage, and as you read, it awakens and stirs your soul...it invokes thought, new ideas, awareness, passion, gratitude. It shows you how to experience JOY in the mundane, to revel at the simple pleasures that surround us every day. It brings a sense of peace and contentment yet inspires you to become more. No matter where you are in your life this book is transforming!

o What aspirations do you have for yourself?

o What do you want to experience in your life this year?

o What do you want to accomplish?

o What do you want to learn?

o Who do you want to become?

o How do you want to give back in the world?

o How do you want to inspire others or make a difference in other peoples' lives?

o What new habit or habits will you commit to starting?

I decided I was going to make a few simple changes and set some goals. I want to become more focused, more productive, more energetic, less reactive, and nurture the relationships in my life. New habits don’t have to be complicated. It’s a matter of deciding to make a small change. Carve out this time for yourself. I remember when my kids were little, I would get up an hour early, just so I could have an hour to myself, enjoy my coffee, sit in the dark, or just read without interruption!

So Jan 1st, I decided I was going to start each day (at least 5 days a week) with a short meditation, read the passage from Simple Abundance, and write out my “to do” list for the day, that I would follow and check off as I accomplished each item. It feels great to start these simple new habits!

So here is my challenge to you…

o What one thing do you want to accomplish this year? Write it down and put it where you can see it! Read it EVERY day!

o Who can you share your goal with? Someone you trust completely who is your “raving fan” who will support you and be your accountability partner? (We all need this!)

o Who do you need to become, in order to accomplish your goal?

o What 2 or 3 things need to happen in order to achieve your goal? What people do you need to connect with? Gertrude Stein says, “What you need, you will attract like a lover.”

o Write a “to do” list each day of small tasks that will help you work toward your goal or dream!

Whether this is a personal or professional goal, just begin it! There is no time like the present. A dream, a want, or a wish is only that, until you own it and take action!

I will finish by sharing a quote from Simple Abundance…

“It’s only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth, and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up, that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had.” Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

Thank you for reading!

Lorraine Gambacourt, RDH

Thank you for reading and have a great week ahead. Please take a look below for what is coming up!

Kindest regards,

Kathleen