A Time of Reflection

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Happy Holidays to you and the ones you love! Thank you for being a part of the Think Simple Now community, and welcoming me into your lives.

Looking back on the year, didn’t it seem like it flew by in a blink? While it is easy to point out missed goals, time wasted, and many of life’s other disappointments, it is also just as easy to choose to see the beauty, the blessings, the gifts and the miracles we’ve received this year. If you find yourself at this crossing, choose happiness.

Let’s take this opportunity to take a few deep breaths and reflect on the year’s many gifts. Here’s a simple meditation I like to do:

1. Find a comfortable place to sit where you won’t be disturbed.
2. Close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths then breathe normally. Completely put your focus on your breath, for a few minutes.
3. Bring your attention to the top of your head. Do this for 10-20 breaths.
4. Bring your attention to your heart or the center of your chest. See if you can sense your heart gently pulsating.
5. Put your hands on your chest, and feel your chest expanding and contracting as you breathe.
6. Using the power of imagination. Think of, or imagine, or hear all the things you are grateful for. It can be anything: people, experiences, compliments, material things, gifts, surprises, relationships, opportunities, and simple things we take for granted – like our home and health. Be as specific and as detailed as you can.
7. As we visualize or hear each thing we are grateful for, feel the feelings of love expanding from our hearts. Don’t worry too much about doing this perfectly. Just do what comes naturally and go with the flow, enjoy the experience of love within you.

How did that feel?

During this time of reflection, I like to ask myself two questions. I have found that writing them down can be quite powerful in acknowledging all the gifts I’ve received this year, and in solidifying my dreams.

1. What are you grateful for this year? What are some things you are grateful for from 2008? What miracles, blessings and gifts popped into your life? What did you learn that contributes towards your personal wellness? What did you gain that can benefit you and your family?

2. If you could have one wish come true for the coming year, what would it be?

Here are some answers from my own family.

Tina (picture: center):

1. This year, I’m thankful for: having freedom of time, seeing India, surviving and then thriving through tough decisions, finding Blackie, spending time with family in China, meeting Derek, simplifying my life, experiencing true love, and having the support of incredible readers who move me to tears.

2. One wish: Spiritual growth and a consistent routine to commune with my inner self. A prolonged state of inner peace, wisdom, connection and clarity is what I am seeking.

Tommy (picture: left):

1. This year, I’m thankful for: regular trips to the beauty parlor (aka the bathroom) for grooming, and spending time with Helaina and her family (aka Tommy’s heavenly resort) while mommy was traveling.

2. One wish: Blackie would disappear so I could have all the attention again.

Blackie (picture: right)

1. This year, I’m thankful for: Emigrating to America into a warm home. For having treats and toys. For the opportunities to pick on Tommy and lick his face.

2. One wish: To perfect potty training, so I’m not spending as much time in the crate.

** What about you? What are you thankful for this year? What is your one wish? Share your thoughts in the comment section! Can’t wait to see them!

Happy Holidays, From My Family, To Yours.

The Think Simple Now team at home.

Think Simple Now’s Greatest Hits (2008 Edition)

To celebrate a great year at Think Simple Now, here, are the top ten most-visited (based on traffic) posts of the past year:

• 20 Ways to Attack Shyness
• Train Your Eyes to See Color, Again
• Dealing with Difficult People
• 8 Keys to Instant Charisma
• How to End a Relationship
• 15 Simple Ways to Overcome Anger
• 38 Creative Gift Ideas
• Dream to Reality: How I Quit My Day Job
• How to Keep a Relationship
• How to Be Outstanding

High traffic isn’t the only measure of a good article. Sometimes, a great article just doesn’t cater to a large enough audience, but truly matters to a few. Here are the ones closes to my heart:

• Train Your Eyes to See Color, Again
• I’m Sorry, I Don’t Know, I Can’t …
• How to Achieve Anything
• Dream to Reality: How I Quit My Day Job
• How to Organize Mental Clutter
• The Simple Life
• How to Be Outstanding
• 15 Tips for Writing Effective Email

Elsewhere Online:

• Simply Tina – My personal blog. Subscribe here.
• Empowered Quotes – Motivational and inspirational quotes from my personal quote book.
• Facebook Group – Become a fan on our official facebook page. (Additionally, my personal profile is here.)
• Twitter – You can follow my twitter updates here.

I look forward in supporting your journey as we welcome a new year filled with opportunities for massive change, exciting transformation and an abundance of joy. Life is so beautiful… as long as we choose to see it!

Wishing you a safe, warm and happy holiday break!

Before we go, show me that beautiful smile of yours! :) Thank you.