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As we end 2017 and begin 2018, it’s a time of reflection…

What went well in 2017?  What changes would we like to see for 2018?  How can we implement those changes?

One of the most proven ways to reach goals is to write them down and review them daily.  Nowadays the benefits of technology mean that we can have our goals for 2018 show up as a screensaver on our computer, phone etc.  According to goal-setting research, the more we see them and re-read them, the more likely we are to stay on course to achieve these goals.  To read a previous article I wrote about the importance of setting goals in the most achievable way, click here.

It also helps to have inspirational quotes and/or poems to remind us of what is important in a world where everything goes so fast.

Desiderata – Things to be desired

My favourite poem is from 1927.  It’s called Desiderata which is Latin for “things to be desired”.  (Many online companies have beautiful prints of this poem that you could order and hang on a wall where you could read it every  morning as a way to set your intentions for the day.)

DESIDERATA

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

~ Max Ehrmann

I think it’s interesting that this poem was written in 1927 and even at that time, the first lines of this poem are:

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

We now live amongst a lot more noise and haste, and therefore it’s even more important for us to find time to be in silence and experience peace.  I also think Mr. Ehrmann was ahead of his times, when he said:

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.

In those days, I don’t believe it was common to think of “God” in terms of one’s own perspective.  This is a more spiritual practice that is more common today.

Every line of this poem has wise wisdom.  I hope you enjoy reading it and that it helps you to continue to be cheerful and happy,  and have peace in your soul.

Music for Thinking and Reflection

I also enjoy listening to music which encourages me to reflect and so I thought you might enjoy some of these songs from this playlist:

Only Time Enya – A Day without Rain

The Bioluminescence of the Night – James Horner – Avatar (music from the Motion Picture)

Caribbean Blue – Enya – The Very Best of Enya

Indian Summer – Jai Wolf – Indian Summer -single

Powerful (feat. Ellie Goulding & Tarrus Riley) Major Lazer – Peace Is The Mission

Life Is A Miracle – Pato Banton – Life Is A Miracle

Living in the Moment  – Jason Mraz – Love is a Four Letter Word (Deluxe Version)

Love’s Divine – Seal – Seal: Hits (Deluxe Version)

Bonfire Heart – James Blunt – Moon Landing

I wish you and your family all the best for 2018,

I hope you enjoy’s today’s gifts,

Warmly,

PS.  For those of you following along with the news of my forthcoming book, Surfing the Worry Imp’s Wave: Helping Children Understand and Overpower Anxiety, we are 40 hours away from the kickoff for preorders.  The first 300 people to order will be able to get the book for $15 off the retail price, and for those people living in Greater Vancouver, you will also receive free shipping.

To thank you for your loyal support of my blog, keep an eye on your inbox on January 3rd at 8:00am,as you will receive first notification of the link for preordering 🙂  From 8:00am-8:30am on January 3rd, only my subscribers to my blog will have access to the live Kickstarter link to give you first priority at the early bird discount pricing.  At 8:30am, the link will go live on social media etc.

PPS.  There a still few spaces left in my next round of Brain Science groups to teach children ages 7-9yrs. and 10-12yrs. about anxiety and anxiety management skills.  Please click here for more information and to register online.