Unlimited Possibilities for 2017

“For last year's words belong to last year's language
And next year's words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning.”                                                                                                            T.S. Elliot
 
Most new experiences we voluntarily enter into on our journey of life start with enthusiasm, excitement and a strong determination to achieve our goals. As the New Year begins commercials on the latest and greatest diets, exercise programs and self-help books will be promoted. Many people will spend time writing New Year’s resolutions and implementing some of the suggestions they saw on television.
 
Unfortunately when faced with the daily challenges in life these goals and dreams begin to lose priority. We shift into a survival mode. This happens in all stages of our lives. I have been retired for ten years and before retirement I cherished the idea of having so much free time. However, as I reflect on these past 10 years I can see how my time has been completely absorbed with many other responsibilities.
 
I believe the suggested tools I have given to my readers do work! They produce long term benefits when used on a regular basis for 90 days.  There are many tools in my tool box that I have shared with you. It is important to limit your choices and decide on one or two until they become a way of life. The top three that have given me the long term success are a prosperity budget, a yearly vision board and daily journaling of the things for which I am grateful.
 
Prosperity Budget
 
Many people who bring in a steady flow of income do not see the value of having an itemized budget. If a 25-year-old would set up a prosperity budget and manage to save and invest $400 a month in a mutual fund, at the age of 64 he would become a millionaire.
 
We just concluded the Christmas gift-giving season which is indeed a spending frenzy. For many consumers much of that spending was charged on a credit card. If that amount was $2,000 and it is payed back at $170 a month it will take 14 months with $303 in interest fees to eliminate that debt. By making that same $170 a monthly budget item you would have the $2000 to spend for Christmas and save $300in interest charges.
 
Vision Board
 
It has been most gratifying to me to see the enthusiasm our grandchildren have in starting this practice at an early age. I think it is the most powerful tool in my toolbox. By having this framed vision board hung in my office it is a daily reminder of what I intend to create in my life. It also allows me to review the postings and appreciate those already manifested. A fairly recent posting is one of my most exciting manifestations. Two years ago I posted a picture of a 21-day dream trip, a River Cruise in Europe from Amsterdam to Budapest. We have the trip scheduled and will depart for it to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. I can assure you this would never have happened for us without it being on the Vision Board. It took planning and budgeting to make this dream a reality. The Vision Board constantly renewed our determination to make it happen.
 
Grateful Journal
 
When we repeatedly respond to the needs of our family and friends it is always nice to know that we are appreciated. Generosity is often fueled by appreciation. In much the same way, I believe there is an energy flow much like the one we often experience around Christmas that happens when we are grateful every day for the blessings we have in our life. Once we express our gratefulness even for the typical “blessings” we often tend to take for granted, we open ourselves to more abundance and flow of grace in our lives. For me the best time to write in my grateful journal is when I am having my first cup of coffee in the morning.
 
In numerology, 2017 is a “1” Year; the number 1 represents new beginnings. A 1 Year is a time to plant the seeds of intention for the forthcoming cycle, to identify and solidify your deepest heartfelt desires, dreams and visions for every area of your life. You have everything going in your favor to start fresh to achieve unlimited possibilities.
 
Happy New Year
Positive Pops