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Start the New Year with Gratitude

Start the New Year with Gratitude¡Feliz año nuevo! Is it really 2014 already? I can’t believe its a new year! Where did 2013 go? Its probably under my bed with the earring I dropped on the carpeted floor and can’t find now. Yesterday I was reading all the words that people picked to represent their 2014 and I don’t even think I ever picked my word for 2013. Procrastination at its finest! Did you pick your word or make your resolutions? One thing I did get to do repeatedly in 2013 was to be thankful! I tried to do it every day and I think the blessings I received last year are a testament of how gratitude can go a long way in life. So instead of finding things to distract me as I think of the word to define my 2014, I’ll take a quick moment to start the year off in gratitude remembering 2013.

These are my top 5 reasons for gratitude in 2013.

  1. My Health. This year was the first year, in a while, where I didn’t suffer from pain that left me not wanting to move at all. I mentioned to you in my journey to becoming a runner how it’s really been … a journey. As I approached my 32nd birthday in 2012, I realized that I if I was going to do all the things God has in store for me, I had to start taking care of myself first. 
  2. My tongue. While it has been a struggle to effectively communicate my thoughts in general and in my personal relationships, I’ve come a long way in 2013. I’ve learned that sometimes what I am thinking doesn’t necessarily present itself in my words. I am thankful for the words I heard in my 5th grade language arts class, “Speak in complete sentences.” 
  3. My love, Daniel. I truly believe that once I controlled my tongue and spoke the words that reflected my heart, things fell into place in our relationship. In this life, we all are in search of our other halves. I am lucky to have found mine in Daniel. He truly is my other half and I was beyond thrilled to take our relationship officially to the next level. Being engaged to be married is really the best thing to have happened this year! While we laughed at all the “About time” responses, we felt the love from our family and friends!
  4. Babies. This year has been a blessing of babies being born into my family and the announcement of more to come in 2014. Children are a blessing!
  5. You. Yes, that’s right! I’ve written these past four years to share with you what I’ve learned and what I still need to figure out. I’ve had a great time connecting with you and learning more through you! It means a lot to have your support. You really have no idea!

2013 gave me so many blessings that I could go on for another 1000 words but I have to beat another level on Candy Crush to get me onto the next board so I can pass my future brother-in-law. (Don’t judge me!)

I look forward to 2014 and the many blessings to come to me AND you! I look forward to updating you on the wedding planning, my running and the adventure of paying down my debt! What were you grateful for in 2013?

Until then,

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14 replies on “Start the New Year with Gratitude”

Love this! Expressing gratitude on a regular basis is such a wonderful habit to get into. I’m thankful our paths have crossed via the blogosphere and look forward to a great 2014.

Hi Michelle! It really is a great habit to be thankful every day. It changes the whole outlook of the day. I am also thankful that our paths have crossed and I hope to get to know you better in this new year!

Great post Arelis and congratulations on your engagement. I like that you have health as #1 as without it we cannot do the rest on the list. I suffered from Lyme years ago and learned that our health is really everything. Here’s to a great 2014!

Oh Wow Lisa, Lyme Disease is serious. I hope you are doing much better! I hear that the effects of lyme disease can go on for an extended period of time!

Thanks for the compliment. I am excited about being engaged but wish I could skip all the planning LOL

….To a wonderful 2014!

I’m a big believer in gratitude and try to take time every day to acknowledge all the wonderful things in my life. 2013 was a year of big change for me. Some was unplanned but all was ultimately welcome and rewarding. I can’t wait to see what 2014 brings. 🙂 Happy New Year!

Taking time is so important Shannon! You are another testament of the power of gratitude. Positive thoughts are so POWERFUL! I am happy that you had a great 2013 and I am sure 2014 will be flowing with more things to be grateful for you and your family!

Love it! Love it! Best part is, this only takes a few seconds each day. Giving thanks for the simple things in life are often overlooked. When I’m driving i look in the sky and admire its beauty. I give thanks for the sky, clouds, birds, wind and the fact that I can still see, hear and feel them.

Amen! Even on a cloudy day we still have the small miracles of nature and life in general to be thankful for. Focusing on these while I’m driving is a given because Lord knows there are some HORRIBLE drivers that purposely drive around me LOL I’m not thankful for them but I am thankful for having quick reflexes.

Congratulations on four years Arelis! It sounds like you have some major plans this 2014 and I for one hope everyone of them comes true for you!

I think it’s important that we stop and give thanks. As part of my personal development I say my prayers in the morning and give my thanks!

Congrats again on your engagement! Here’s to a prosperous 2014!

Thank You Corina! I know you have a ton of things in the work to be grateful for this year as well! You are inspiring and God works through you. Everyone should add Give Thanks to their personal development goals this year!

To all the great things to come in 2014 🙂

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