New Year, New Start

 

1 - 1 - 11

First day of the New Year.  Time for a Fresh start? New beginning? Different path? Needed change?

That's the great thing about the beginning of a new year, it's a good time for one or all of the above, if we want. At the very least, it's a great time to start making plans or contemplating putting new things into motion.

Something about a new year gets us energized, and if we're lucky, that enthusiasm lasts for more than just the first few weeks January. You've seen the phrase... "New Year, New You."  Well, why not?  It's as good a time as any to get started, to give it a try, to make things happen.

Perhaps instead of looking at our plans as "resolutions" (I don't know about you, but those don't usually pan out for me) maybe we can look at them as fresh starts.  Instead of overloading ourselves with a long list, perhaps we just pick 1-3 top things we'd like to accomplish. Keeping it simple will keep us sane... and on track!  It's our fresh start, we can begin any way we like, right?!  The most important thing, taking it one day at a time and actually getting started. 

My joy moment today was my optimism and enthusiasm about the start of a new year and thinking about a few things I'd like to achieve.  

So let's get things revving, in 2011!  Like that one?!  Ms. Girl made it up all by herself, LOL.  

Cheers to the New Year and New beginnings! 

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl 

Ringing it In!

Only a few minutes until a brand new year!  Feeling blessed to be able to ring in another year with my two favorite ladies, my mom and gran. Wouldn't have it any other way.

And it's my very joyous moment for today.

Happy New Year, Friends!!!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

The Joy Ride Nears 1 Year!

I can’t believe it! Only 14 days until the one-year mark for my joy journey.

What began as a resolution going into 2010 has actually lasted throughout the entire year. I wasn’t sure if I could do it since my resolutions tend to fall by the wayside shortly after the new year... especially the weight-loss related ones, LOL. But I'm so glad I did it! I'm kind of proud of myself that I was able to make the commitment and stick with it. Taking the time to appreciate, reflect and document my joy moment each and every day has been surprisingly and amazingly fulfilling. 

As we all know, time passes quickly. Days, weeks, and months can fly by in a blur. By making myself slow down, take notice, and acknowledge one moment of joy daily (no matter how small!) I've learned more about myself, others, life situations and ultimately, to appreciate the gift of each day, no matter what it brings. It has been an interesting journey that has led to unexpected lessons, blessings and more than a few revelations.

Another great part of this adventure... having the honor of sharing my personal journey with you, my blog friends. I hope you've enjoyed the ride, as well.

My joy moment today was the rewarding feeling I have as I come close to accomplishing the one year goal of my joy journey.  

Will there be a year, two? Answers to come.  

In the meantime... thanks very much for riding along! 

Stay Tuned :-)

Ms. Girl 

Friendly Visit

A group of us went to visit a family friend today that's been having a few health issues. Thankfully, he's  doing a little better and he's in good spirits.

He was so happy to see us, as we were to see him. Considering everything he's going through he looked pretty good. What seemed to help him were the friendly visits and check-ins he was getting. He shared stories about all the people who had called or dropped by to check on him. All the attention made him feel good and helped him to stay positive.

Knowing people are thinking about you during difficult times can sometimes make a world of difference.  All the well wishes, prayers and good cheer sent our friend's way, was definitely helping him on the road to recovery... and for that we were all grateful.

Our friendly get well visit was a collective joy moment today.

Continued well wishes to him!

Stay Tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Working it Out!

Had a lot of pent up energy and stress today. Needed to find a productive release... and fast.

Decided to visit the gym. I say visit, because the gym and I don't mingle on a regular basis. LOL. It did a world of good.

Working out on the equipment actually helped to work out some of my frustrations. I blasted the headphones and totally rocked out while I was on the treadmill... in my head, of course, LOL. Surprisingly, my mood actually fueled me to go longer on the treadmill. A nice bonus! And pumping  iron later on, was just what I needed to burn off residual irritations.

Guess it's true... exercise does the mind, body and spirit good. 

My joy moment today (surprisingly!) was my time at the gym.  Gotta love those endorphins!

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Baby Talk

We have a new baby girl in the fam. The mom made a surprise visit and we finally had the chance to see the new bundle of joy. She's so cute! We were all gaga and goo goo over her.

Of course, my family took endless pictures of her, spent hours staring at her and wrestling with one another over who would get to hold her next. Something about babies makes everything all warm and fuzzy. And for some reason, when you're around them, you inevitably start talking baby talk or doing the goofiest things to make them smile. Maybe that's just me, LOL.

Holding her, watching her, and engaging in a lot of baby talk were my joy moments for today.

Who's that pretty girl?!  I said, who's that pretty girl?!  LOL.

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl

Winter Wonderland

Had a bit of snow today in N.C., only about 2-5 inches. Not nearly as much as the other eastern states.  Yet, it was still nice. 

Yes, snow can be a hassle when it comes to shoveling and traveling but it's so pretty to look at. Especially, when it first falls and everything looks like a beautiful white wonderland. I think it looks particularly enchanting in the trees.

Living in Cali, it's been a long time since I've seen snow. So I was like a kid again when I woke up this morning and saw that everything was blanketed in the beautiful white stuff. I know I'm an adult, but I couldn't resist playing in it, taking a bunch of pics, throwing a few snowballs, and even dared to do a snow angel. My mother dared and I took her up on it, LOL!  As of now, the incriminating pics are still in her possession. LOL. 

My joy moment today was being a kid again, enjoying the snow and appreciating my own private winter wonderland.  

Stay tuned :-)

Ms. Girl 

Ring a Ding!

Christmas is a great time to catch up with people you haven't spoken with in awhile. Usually, at some point during that day or week, the phone (or doorbell) will ring and you will hear from a family member or friend you haven't chatted with in some time.

It's nice to reconnect with distant loved ones... and the holidays are a great occasion for it and make it all the more special.

Making and getting those fun phone calls was my (and my fam's) joy moment for today.

Hope you had a fab day, friends!

Stay Tuned :-)

Ms. Girl