Welcome and Happy Holidays !.. I was with a group of friends over the Christmas break; to be precise  on Christmas eve rounding up for the day .It was ever so nice being together as  we spoke about almost everything we could think of . What caught my attention  and had prompted me to write this post was a conversation that started around the New Year.
 One of my friends’ started talking quite passionately about how happy she is having looked back at all she had accomplished over the last Decade. Initially I did not have a clue of what she was saying. She then said we are not just moving into a new year but a new decade and she could not  help but look back at all her accomplishments from getting married to completing her training as a doctor. She commended that having this wonderful opportunity of meeting different people was second to none. I was so touched as  she did say a lot of other things had happened to her yearlong but she saw no value in focusing on them and concluded by saying how grateful she is.
 On returning home I sat down to reflect on the last decade and of course I had a big smile on my face. We have just about a few days before this year runs out and  I belief it is a time for us to  reflect, be grateful and jubiliate for at least just being here; a time to reminisce ; a time to take lessons from the past and move into the future,  a time to build on our goals, plans ,dreams; a time to make them all work for us !
 I am not a firm believer of making New Year resolution(s) and research has revealed that most people don’t stick to them anyway! Instead I just build on my daily goals…..
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 Reflect & celebrate
 1, Relfection ;Here you simply look back and explore the past years ;  examining your past events and highlighting all your happy experience(s) as well as  achievements to be happy and grateful for. Write them all down if so wish. You can also note where you want to make changes/improvements as you go along. “By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterestâ€~ Confucius.
 1 a, Write; I have already mentioned writing but remember writing is a very powerful tool for self/personal development, reflection as well as goal setting . “Write down the thoughts of the moment. Those that come unsought for are commonly the most valuableâ€Â ~Francis Bacon.Â
 2, Be grateful; Here you want to be show gratitude.This is the ability   to show warm appreciation, and kindness for all favour(s) received. People who are grateful have been  reported to be less depressed, more empathic and generous. Some researches have indicated that gratitude can improve our psychological wellbeing. So it’s worth investing time developing the skills of gratefulness.  Â
 2a, Contribute; Be considerate by investing time, money and showing love to those less privileged; it’s a way of just being grateful. Giving is not just at Christmas!
 3,Share; I love the popular saying “sharing is caringâ€. You simply share your story to motivate others around you. “There is no delight in owning anything unsharedâ€~ Seneca quotes.
 4, Visualize:Project into the future; Picture all those wonderful event(s)/experience in your mind and build on them!This should help you leap forward into the future and feel the need to celebrate. “Visualize this thing that you want, see it, feel it, believe in it. Make your mental blue print, and begin to build.”~ Robert Collier
5 Express your gratitude;   basically celebrate, sing ,dance  and  appreciate all you have to smile for !
 Now here is the second side to the coin.. Remember my friend did say other things have happened in her life but she had not paid so much attention to them; These obviously were unpleasant experiences.  We live in a dual world, so we’ve got “The good and  the bad†, “The sweet and the bitter†and many more. Whilst in reflection your goal is to embrace your good experiences!
 If you are struggling to establish events and experiences to celebrate why not try Self Discovery Your Way to Greatness for some  tips.
 Good Luck and Happy New Year! 
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26. December 2009 at 5:57 pm
Silly as it sounds, I didn’t even think of a new decade starting on the New Year. Thanks for the reminder and the post.
27. December 2009 at 12:01 am
Dearest Fatima,
What a lovely way of looking at the past decade. Thank you fro sharing your friends beautiful thoughts here.
Your Reflect and celebrate points are awesome! I am going to remember them as the new year approaches
Thank you for this lovely post
Seasons Greetings to you and your family!
With Love,
Zeenat.
27. December 2009 at 6:45 am
Thanks @AnnMartin… and it doesn’t sound silly because I didn’t have a clue either that we are yet again commencing another decade… I suppose the press are too busy attending to other things and have forgotten to remind us. Once again thanks for stopping by …. Happy New year in advance to you and your family ..
Thanks alot @Zeenat .. Seasonal greetings to you and your lovely family too
27. December 2009 at 9:24 am
It’s funny I was thinking over the last 10 years last week and couldn’t help thinking how much happens and changes in 10 years. Each decade gets more amazing as I grow old. I can only hope the next 10 years are as awesome and as fulfilling as the last. I wish for you the same!
27. December 2009 at 11:27 am
They sure would be many more Awesome years Tess.. I believe That’s what we all hope for…….. an amazing and fulfilling life as we grow… Thanks for stopping by .. Happy Holidays
27. December 2009 at 3:48 pm
“There is no delight in owning anything unshared†How beautiful!! That will stay with me, indeed. How true.
Now…. can I remember what I did in the last decade?? Well, our daughter was conceived a little over 9 years ago — that whole child experience has kept us hopping and happy!!
28. December 2009 at 5:19 am
Yes, 2010 is a great numbers and hope it’ll be a great year for all of us
28. December 2009 at 8:56 am
Children are our most valuable natural resource~ Herbert Hoover…..Thanks for sharing this wonderful story @Jannie Funster . An Awesome New year to you and your lovely family in Advance..
Thanks @Latief and Certainly the Year 20-10 will be Great! by Gods Grace
28. December 2009 at 4:46 pm
A wonderful story, and perfect for the New Years. Thanks for your post! It really is amazing when you look at your life through 10 year increments.
p.s. I never make resolutions either, but this year I have one…since I am beginning a new job again, I must keep up on my blog. Again, thanks for sharing.
29. December 2009 at 7:13 am
Fatima-no need to wish you a Happy New Decade. With your attitudes and perspectives you’re certain to have one.
30. December 2009 at 5:58 pm
The most important message of this encounter is to be thankful which means not to have grudges.
To a good new decade…
30. December 2009 at 6:26 pm
Thanks @Cathy Voisard I wish you well with your new job and I am sure you will keep blogging
@NPlove your wonderful sense of humour, thanks for dropping in.
@Gabriele you are right and my wish is for most grudges to be resolved, forgiven and depart with the year 2009..
31. December 2009 at 6:30 am
This was a lovely post, my first visit and you have a great blog.
Dorothy from grammology
grammology.com
31. December 2009 at 2:17 pm
Dear Fatima, What a BRILLIANT sharing. I LOVE this. It is so up lifting. I thrilled over the idea of not just looking at the past year but the last decade. Now THAT could be a VERY juicy list for me. I find your perspectives refreshing and life-giving. So so healthy. WOW! With the approach and attitudes that you have toward life you are and WILL continue to change lives. Simply clean and beautiful. Thank you dear friend. Hugs, Robin.
31. December 2009 at 5:40 pm
Hi Fatima. Really cool post that you have written here. Reflecting with your friends is a nice thing to do especially before the new year starts. I hope you guys take it easy, and before the day ends, I just wanted to say have a happy new year.
1. January 2010 at 5:05 am
Thanks ‘@Hulbert and I wish you an Awesome New Year..@Robin Easton I feel so honoured and I am ever so grateful for your time, support and contribution to Expressive Wellness. I wish you a flourishing New Year. @Dorothy Stahlnecker Welcome! and I wish you too a prosperous New Year