A Happy New Year for 2016

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A Happy New Year for 2016

"Whatever you do or dream you can do- begin it."

                                      ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

 

As we begin another year, it seems everyone is thinking of making a New Year's resolution.  My New Year resolution is to get back writing. Hence the reason for reviving my Quest for Happiness Blog. My last entry was April, 2012, almost four years ago.

What has happened in the world in those four years? I am not going to give you a history review but I would like to comment on a couple of things that have been a good influence on me.

The first is the video, entitled CALL TO EARTH, released by the astronauts of the world directed to COP 21( the world leaders) in France in December, 2015.  What really thrilled me was that they had a common message to care for the earth. They said it in different languages but all were united in asking not only world leaders but every person on this earth to become aware of what is happening to our beloved earth and its inhabitants, human and non- human. When has it ever happened before that scientists have a common message for us? Will we pay heed? Will world leaders listen and respond?

It certainly seems that way! The second event that impressed me was the meeting of the world leaders in France. In just a couple of short weeks they unanimously wrote another "Charter" for us on climate change. The message is clear: we have to wake up and see what we are doing to the atmosphere, what we are doing to each other. Because of our technology today, we know immediately about every event that is taking place worldwide: fierce winter storms, floods, fires and wars.

As I reflect on these two major world events, I think, as we often do, of the question: What can I do? I am only one person!

According to Goethe, (see the quote above),  if we have a dream, then we take action and the process begins! Isn't that very uplifting and heartening? That is the reason that I have resurrected my blog because I feel that I can do something to make my little world a better place.  And it also means that you can make a difference.

Think back on some of the remarkable people who have made an impact for good  in our world today. Mahatma Gandhi is one who comes to mind. Another is the South African leader, Nelson Mandela, who was in prison for years. Mother Theresa of Calcutta and Pope Francis also complete my short list of notables.

What is heartening is that, while they are great role models,  we can quietly do our little bit in our little corner of the world.

Stop and think of what makes each of us tick? We are all on a quest for happiness in one form or other. We need hope and energy to get up each morning and face the day. If we have a loving and supportive family and friends, we are fortunate and blessed. Once we see how abundant our life is, we can look around and see what needs to be done to brighten other people's lives.

As I end this first reflection for 2016, remember that if we spread love, we get love back in return. It's like a boomerang!

Let's see in this month of January what we can do on the wonderful part of earth that we live! Let's make a difference!