Chad Watkins:

 
 
Every day we are bombarded! Television, Radio, Family, Friends, Co-Workers... everyone has an opinion about things we need, status to be achieved, how we should look, what we should believe, how we should spend our money, how we should spend our time... the list goes on and on. Even though the intention is often good, we sometimes find ourselves creating a life out of everyones opinions.
 
Other times, we are living a life of desires and dreams that are "out-dated". As our bodies age with each passing year, so can the things that mean the most to us. What once topped your list of "important things" may not even make the list today.
 
You might have once been into designer clothes while now you find it more important to spend time with your children or loved ones. You would rather work less and do without some things in order to have more quality time with the ones you love.
 
Some people spend their life wanting the same as whatever person or influence is around [...]

 
 
I'm struggling right now – struggling with what my life is vs. what I desire it to be. I look back and realize how I have lived an entire life of fear, always worried about what others would think. I came by this innocently, for I was taught to be this way.
 
I can still hear those words to this day... "What would people say if they saw you... what would people say if they knew... what would people say about..." Over and over I was taught to worry about what other people think.
 
The price of worrying what others think can be costly. It can go something like this:
wearing clothes that are really not your style,
dating a person that you know others think is right for you rather than the one your heart tells you to pursue,
staying in a relationship in which you do not want to be,
acquiring status and position that you really do not care about,
working in a job that you cannot stand,
pursuing financial status rather than an enjoyable life,
acting like you don't [...]

 
You know that feeling that we can often get when it rains? The feeling that the world is cold and we are all alone. Many people have feelings of depression when it rains.
 
I stopped to contemplate why people dislike rainy days. As I sat and meditated upon this idea, it occured to me that rain often stops the activites upon which people derive their energy.
 
Think about it – on a sunny day you are driving down the road listening to your music and dancing along – life is great. On a rainy day, how many times have you had to turn off the radio so you can "concentrate". Music gone – big source of energy for many people.
 
On a sunny day people are off going shopping, walking, biking, out to eat, car rides, trips to the park, etc. However, when it rains, many of our energy producing activities can be canceled or become more of a situation of stress rather than joy. It can be such a hassle just getting yourself out of the house. It's even harder for those [...]

 
Sunset always signifies that another day is coming to an end. Just as life is filled with endings, it is also filled with new beginnings. As we are on the sunset of 2009, I ask you to please take some time to reflect over your year.
 
Take time to remember the joys and give thanks.
Take time to remember the hurts and release/forgive them.
Take time to remember your mistakes and learn from them.
Take time to remember the lessons learned and hold onto them.
Take time to let go of 2009 and prepare to embrace 2010.
 
Life is not the past, nor the future. Life is now. Live each day to the fullest and know that whether that day is good or bad, there will be a sunset. Make each day a journey to remember.

 
I hope that your holiday season includes some time having a conversation with an old friend. There is nothing like talking to someone who has been along and observed your journey. Someone who knows your in and outs – celebrates your good qualities and tolerates the bad. One who loves you for who you are and doesn't ask or require you to be anything different.
Old friends are the ones who have rejoiced in times of triumph, wiped your tears when things were bad, helped pick you up when you fall down, held your hand when you have been afraid, comforted you when times were troubled, believed in you when you didn't believe in yourself.
Old friends are the ones that you may talk to quite frequently, or maybe not. You may only speak to them occasionally or when something big happens in your life; however, an old friend is one where you always "pick-up" right where you left off the last time. Frequency and duration of conversation is irrelevant because they are [...]