The Answer Key

This year is quickly coming to a close. There is little left on your to-do list from 2014 that will not have to wait until next year, and that is okay; it will have to be, right? So, with the time you have left before you ring in the new year, make a resolution, set a goal for yourself, or make a promise or vow to uphold to someone else- reflect. Pause just long enough to review everything you have done, every where you have been, the people you have loved and lost this year; not to judge or criticize yourself for what you have not done, where you have not gone, or did not become, but to accept everything just as it is. Take it all in and embrace the magic of still being whole and present as the tested and resilient, forgiving and forgivable, generous and humble, beautifully flawed gem of a person that you are as you are today. Appreciate the gift in every experience you have had this year, acknowledge the lessons you have learned, and know you will have more of them to come. That said...

Whatever you do, find time, better yet make time to allow yourself to have intentionally placed moments of joy. Even if you take a moment or two to just relax. Take a little piece of this one life you are living and live it well and with your joy in mind. Let the pressure fall by the waist-side from time to time. Do what makes you happy. Be around people that make you laugh and smile. Live in a place that lifts your spirits just being there; embrace all of the beauty in just being you. Smile more, laugh more, hug more, and live better. Tomorrow is not promised. We all know that, but go a step further and do something today that will put your yesterday to shame, and do it for yourself simply because it makes you happy. You and I both know the grind will still be there tomorrow. Make some time for joy today. ~Check out twitter.com/_TheAnswerKey & fb.me/TheAnswerKey for more positive posts.

Be kind and willing to give freely of yourself to others. That said, only give your all to those who will not take you and your kindness for granted. Trust that you will know or learn the difference. The moment you notice it, immediately do something about it. First and foremost, save yourself- create and keep your distance. No one should have the chance to milk you any longer than they already have. As soon as you find yourself being taken for granted- 1. Do not blame yourself. Your generosity is not a defect. 2. Bounce back. Decide what you will do differently if you see history repeating itself. 3. Learn your lesson. Do not change your nature; that is who you are. Change the people you offer yourself to that do not value you. Giving, compassionate, generous people have often fallen for the schemes of those who will always take more than an inch or a mile. Now is the time to draw a line with them and make sure it is in PERMANENT MARKER. Do what comes naturally to you, but be mindful ...

Growth can come after suffering, but it does not have to. Choose to flourish in the bounty of your blessings and in your trials. No matter what the experience is you can seek the potential, the lesson, benefit, and value every situation is meant to give you, reveal to you, or prove to you when you are in disbelief. It all matters and happens on your behalf if you let it. When you open yourself up to all the greatness (obvious and obscure) that life has to offer, life itself will open up overwhelmingly to greet you. ~For more positive posts stop by twitter.com/_TheAnswerKey & fb.me/TheAnswerKey daily!

Just in case yesterday was not your day, remember this is your tomorrow. Wipe your slate clean. You are blessed to see today; be grateful first for that in and of itself. Then, with this tomorrow, start the day with a plan for your day and your future with gratitude in your heart for life as it is right now, fresh and new. Today may happen to be THE tomorrow- the one you have been waiting for. Reflect for a moment on how you looked forward to it and live it as best you can. Make the most of it. Choose today to be happy and move forward with a pep in your step, a twinkle in your eye, and gratitude in your heart. ~For more positive posts stop by www.twitter.com/_TheAnswerKey & fb.me/TheAnswerKey daily!