Our holidays never cease to be driven by memories that preciously weave a spell of nostalgia – a time that we think of and treasure everyone and everything we have ever loved.

I welcomed launching this Blog this past year, with the hope of stepping out of the shadow of Breast Cancer, speaking compellingly about my real story and giving a voice to the complicated, often painful realities of life after the cure.

My diagnosis arrived on the heels of another family tragedy back in 2010, as well, and as I look back I recognize that although these moments are terrifying we are all given challenges in this life that, at times, seem insurmountable.

Yet, we all have a choice in how we react and respond to the inevitable adversity in our lives.

Again can be simple, yet not easy ….

So as the New Year approaches, do we again promise ourselves that next year we’ll be better and do more; you know, the old custom of “making resolutions” ~ attempting that “fresh start”?

We all have learned that there is no escaping the intent on striving for improvement ~ even perfection, thinking we’ll be happy and content if we can possibly achieve these often out-of-reach goals.

Not so fast ~ Really!

Instead of the usual hard to achieve resolutions for the New Year, I’m thinking we could simply, with intent, live each precious day fully.

And, yes, the New Year is now about new beginnings.

And perhaps instead of making expected resolutions, we should pause to say the Serenity Prayer ~ Profoundly simple written words ~ timeless wisdom…

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”

I’ve known this prayer for the better part of my life, yet it’s now become my daily “conversation”.

Serenity certainly isn’t about ending challenges (I work at accepting this) it’s about developing the ability to flourish peacefully ~ no matter what life brings our way.

So with some help and hard work (no escaping this); we can always be a bit better ~ do a bit more.

And as we step into the New Year my wish, for all, is that we can let go of demanding that life be predictable, easy, peaceful and conformed to our will.

Instead, may we welcome change with a willing and open heart.

P.S. How beautiful ~ Just as I’m wrapping up this Post my Niece Jennifer, with impeccable timing, walks in step with me and shares this beautiful Quote on Facebook.