Reflection: It’s the time of year when our thoughts turn to fresh starts – ways that we might improve our lives, change our habits, launch new goals. In the flurry of info about how best to accomplish these turn-arounds, an article by Tania Carriere caught my eye. I encourage you to read the full article linked from today’s Resource of the Week.

In short, Tania suggests that a shift in focus to something more and something new is not always necessary. In many cases we already know what works in our lives. We’ve simply distanced ourselves from the practices and choices that serve us well. Over time our shiny fresh intentions and actions tarnish and fade like a piece of good silver.

Like that silver, even though the surface may seem dingy and drab, the value still lives below. In her metaphor, what’s required most is not racing off in search of something new but simply finding our way back to what we already know puts a shine on our days.

Action: Over the last few days – as 2018 turned to 2019 – I’ve been pondering what I already know makes for a better life experience for me.

Here are a few strategies that would serve me well if I polished them off, and brought them back to life. They might spark some thoughts for you.

• Life is better – my body healthier and my mind clearer – when I roll out of bed and hit the trail for a walk first thing in the morning.
• Staying connected to my husband seems effortless when we make the time to relax and share our news of the day and thoughts for the future daily over a glass of wine or cup of coffee.
• Time spent on social media feeds my soul – until it’s too much – and then it bleeds my soul. I know it’s time to unfollow or unplug when I find myself shifting from ‘celebrate and share’ to ‘contrast and compare’.
• My body knows when it needs a rest. I need to listen and respond the first time it tries to get my attention.
• I can’t lean on others to bring me happiness. Happiness is an inside job, and I’m in charge of my choices. Choosing experiences and perspectives that bring me joy makes me a more positive presence in my own world and in the lives of others.

As you look at some of the tarnish left behind from this most recent circle around the sun, to what practices will you return?

Where could a little polishing help you shine in the days ahead?

Quotes Of The Week: You’re always with yourself, so you might as well enjoy the company. – Diane Von Furstenberg

We don’t have to wait until we are on our deathbed to realize what a waste of our precious lives it is to carry the belief that something is wrong with us. – Tara Brach

What if instead of changing, I chose to polish? To deliberately and carefully give myself the gentle affirming attention needed to bring back my lustre? – Tania Carriere

No amount of self improvement can make up for any lack of self acceptance. – Robert Holden

The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are. – Joseph Campbell

Accept – then act. Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it.” – Eckhart Tolle

Dream about all the small, non-flashy ways you can love and serve and build a beautiful world. Notice all the small simple gifts in your life that you miss when you’re constantly feeling pressured to make big stuff happen. – Krista O’Reilly-Davi-Digui

Resource Of The Week: I think you’ll enjoy reading the inspiration for today’s message – this thoughtful article by Tania Carriere titled, Bringing Back My Shine.

Readers Write: In response to an earlier message, Did You Know You’re Retroactively Useful, Pause reader MH wrote: You have shared an important message. Everyone on the planet is both influenced and an influencer. We never know who is taking notes as we go about our daily lives. One of the most powerful concepts we can teach young children is that each of them is someone’s role model. By living our best lives, we improve the world.

Today’s Image: When the snow covers Saskatchewan, it can be a challenge to find color in the landscape – but it’s there if we’re looking for it. These little Frosted Winter Berries caught my eye on a morning walk along the Meewasin Trail in Saskatoon on a foggy, frosty day in November. I painted them in the warm comfort of my Pauseworks Studio at the end of December.