My New Year's Resolution

Ahhhhhh…the bliss of After-Christmas-Tranquility! I loved rejoicing in the blessings of Christmas, and have thoroughly enjoyed all the company, family visits, and presents.   I’ve celebrated the gratitude I have for the birth of our Savior and his many gifts to his children. I thrilled at the beautiful Nativities and remembrances and colorful decorations glittering everywhere. But, alas, I can’t help but sigh, now that it’s over. I feel like I’ve celebrated the culmination of another year, the ending of a busy series of events and the beginning of another bright, unknown and uncharted future ahead.  On reflection, each year has its merits and shortcomings, but I try to expect less perfection and, instead, look for more wonderful moments of simple joy.  I believe that is where happiness can be found.

As a new year is ready to begin, we usually wonder – where did the old one go? How did it pass so quickly? Alas, it’s gone forever. If you never kept your resolutions last year, it’s time to begin again and resolve something for the New Year. Maybe this year, you should make it a little simpler, something you can actually accomplish, something that will motivate and inspire you to follow through and fulfill; something that is actually achievable and truly satisfying. Maybe you could resolve to smile more or laugh more or relax more. Maybe you should decide to make more phone calls and less impersonal texts. You could resolve to be more kind and understanding to those who share your life. Building your character by strengthening your inner attributes is not an easy accomplishment and may be worthy of a resolution. Make it simple, yet worthwhile and satisfying; make it enjoyable so that you will love fulfilling your new year’s resolution and above all, make it a truly life enhancing experience that will carry you through the entire year into a better tomorrow. Next year, you may achieve your resolution and look back on the past year as the best you ever had! I wish you good luck in your efforts.

I, too, will be working on my resolution for the next year ahead!  I have a new book coming out and another one to finish writing, so I think I’ll resolve to work harder and smile more and enjoy every single moment of this wonderful experience!
© 2013 Linda Gatewood

A Gift to give to Yourself!

When I do a book signing, I have the opportunity to meet a variety of people and it’s a pleasure to become acquainted with them and to talk about books. Since I’ve always loved to read, I assume everyone else does, so it’s usually a surprise when someone tells me they have never read a novel in their lives! They tell me they read snatches of news online or in newspapers or magazines and that is enough for them.

It’s hard for me to imagine reading so little. Reading is such an adventure in so many ways, who wouldn’t be tempted? My earliest memory of what I wanted, more than anything, was to learn to read. I even wished upon stars that I could read; my pre-kindergarten most desired and coveted golden accomplishment was to be able to read. I can remember going to sleep crying because I was having trouble learning the skill.  I also remember that spectacular and triumphant moment when I finally achieved the ability to understand a group of letters. It was breathtaking! From that moment on, I had a book in my hand at every opportunity. I loved the stories; I loved the process that created feelings deep inside; the words that brought tears to my eyes; the phrases that inspired me to be a better person and those that helped me to understand others around me. Who wouldn’t want to open the door to such a vast depth of knowledge?

Some of the people I met tell me that they love to read, but have stopped. When I asked why, most said they are too busy to read anymore. Others say they will wait for the movie. I say, if you loved the movie, be sure to read the book, too.

Reading is much different than watching the movie. Books are more personal, a moment shared between just the author and the reader; a quiet time to pause and reflect on a sentence and to return again and again to a paragraph that inspired or touched somewhere within and possibly started a healing process.

I challenge people who love to read to start to read again, to set aside at least thirty minutes a day to read. I promise you’ll be glad you made that choice because a world of fulfillment will open and the enjoyment you remember will return. Why not bring delight into your world for thirty minutes a day? Read whatever you want, explore new things, pick up the old. The classics are still there and just as good as ever. In fact, there is a flood of good literature out there right now. Grab a book and read!
 © 2013 Linda Gatewood