If you haven’t noticed, we are at the end of the 2016 year, lots of things to reflect upon:
- Was it a good year for you?
- Did you accomplish “all” that you intended?
- What could you have done differently?
- What were the things that didn’t go as planned?
- What were the things you are most proud of?
A brand new year is coming. Some can’t wait and others are stressing and worrying about the “to do” lists. Whether you are ready or not, 2017 will be here. You might find solitude in the final days of this year to putting aside your political agendas, differences, and just winding down.
It’s hard, I know. We live in a world of accomplishments and failures. Always with our feet to the ground, and in a sprint mode. But maybe this time around, you may want to take a different tactic.
Let me explain…
This Christmas, my husband and daughters gave me a Wonder Woman doll. Yes, you read correctly, a doll. No diamond, no new pair of leather boots, or a brand new purse. A doll. I got to tell you though, it is one of the best gifts I have ever received.
You see, as a young child, one of my favorite television shows to watch was Wonder Woman. It aired from 1975 to 1979, and it only had three seasons. The show was based off of the popular DC Comic, “The Adventures of Wonder Woman.”
I never got into the comic books, but I really enjoyed the TV show. Lynda Carter, the actress who played Diana Prince, was a normal person who epitomized for me a super-willed woman, fighting the “bad guys”, and solving everyday situations in a grand fashion. And then, turning into a civilian again.
Recently, Queen Elizabeth II aired a 2016 Christmas speech. One of the things she mentioned was… “I often draw strength from meeting ordinary people doing extraordinary things…”
That line alone has resonated with me as I ponder about the final days of the 2016 year, all the while cherishing my precious Wonder Woman doll.
You see, I’m no “wonder woman”. I certainly am not armed with a magic belt that gives me strength, gold bracelets that can stop any bullet, a tiara that can be thrown as a returning weapon, and an unbreakable lasso that can force anyone to tell the truth. I’m a human being with many, many flaws.
I am an ordinary person with the potential to do extraordinary things. And, that “thing” doesn’t have to be big, either. The same can apply to you.
The greatest act anyone can give is love. But, in order to have love, you must be kind and have the courage to love.
Like Queen Elizabeth II, the extraordinary can be found in people and in common things. Like Wonder Woman, strength is derived from doing what’s right and just for your fellow humans.
So, have courage friends, put love as one of your “to do” lists. Battle for a worthy cause. And always, always, be kind.
Happy New Year! May it be a great ending to a new beginning for your 2017 year.
