As we say good-bye to an old year and ring in a new, would you say that you have lived life well? Have you not only endured your situation but have thrived in it? Are you just going through the motions of life or are you embracing it? Are you dreading another year or are you excited about the opportunities? Do you feel that life is a series of repetitive mundane encounters- sleep, eat, work? Or do you feel possibilities brimming at every turn?

This year, I am wondering why can’t we make the repetitive encounter, the ordinary events, extra- ordinary? Why should we just settle for the mundane?

This year, I want to live my life well, full of abundance, and brimming over the top.

What does that mean? For me? What would that mean for you?

For me living life well means to embrace all that life has to offer- the good, the bad and the ugly. For it is in that reflection of it all, that perspective is given and only through that perspective can I then appreciate all the goodness in my life and celebrate it.

Counting my blessings- each day being grateful for what I have been giving
Practicing the presence of being- enjoying the moments with others as well as by myself
Sharing with others- not just my extra resources but at times willing to share sacrificially
Being mindful of each encounter, meal, conversation, action, etc. that I witness
Finding purpose and meaning in what I do- even if that is as simple as washing the dishes
Learning more about the world around me- being curious
Experiencing the arts and the gift of creativity
Encouraging others in their life journey

I am sure as I continue exploring living life well, I will expand my list. At first when I explored living well, it contained the foundational elements of body, mind, spirit: finding balance in being as healthy as one can be. And that is still a good goal. Yet I am ready to move further and deeper in my pursuit of living physically, mentally and spiritually well. I am ready to live a life that reflects back the light and love of God: a contagious, winsome, abundant life-affirming existence.

Won't you join me?