Tags
being in the now, being present, blessings, children, community, compassion, Diana Schwenk, family, friends, happy, health, Hump Day Chronicles, living in the moment, love, memories, New Year, parents, Purpose, Relationships
It seems to me that I was bombarded with the message of the title of this post continually leading up to 2017.
And I guess I understand why, given over 130 well-known people died in 2016, including Canada’s much-loved Leonard Cohen, who incidentally was born in the same year as my much loved father, and given our Albertan economy has taken a nose dive and many people employed in oil and gas have lost their jobs. I’m sure you have similar or perhaps worse stories you could share from your corner of the world.
But I can’t help thinking that compared to others; we’re doing well here in Canada.
I mean considering the events in other parts of the world, I am fairly certain that ninety-something per cent of the world’s population would gladly change places with almost anyone in our country, knowing their lives would be greatly improved.
That’s why it’s important for me to be grateful for the blessings, large and small, that made up my daily experience in 2016.
On a personal level, these blessings include that more and more when I remember Dad, it brings a smile to my face instead of tears. That although my family is spread out, we’ve all worked harder to connect more often. That with much practice, I am learning to be more present in the moment; to give the person or situation in front of me my full attention – something I will continue to work on in 2017.
Professionally, I’ve seen that our work to engage the community has started to show evidence of authentic and mutually beneficial relationships. People are wanting to be, and becoming involved on many levels of our organization, making a huge difference in the lives of men and women who are in recovery, while hopefully also increasing their own sense of purpose and meaning.
I hope that you too, can find your blessings in the past year when you look back. Here are just a few of mine in the photo gallery below.
~ HUMP DAY CHRONICLES ~
Wishing you and yours a blessed 2017 filled with moments you can treasure for a lifetime.
Diana xo
Happy 2017 to you as well, Diana, from here in the Northeast U.S.!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Jim and to you and yours as well from western Canada! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLike
I read an article with a long list of major health, safety, and economic progress made around the world in 2016, but when I hear people complain about 2016 being a tough year, they usually mention celebrity deaths and the US election. I just don’t get it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Here in Alberta, Canada it’s about job loss in the Oil and Gas industry. Sad? Yes, devastating for some. But we still have one of the lowest unemployment rates in Canada. ❤
Diana xo
LikeLike
You got this Diana it is all about the small moments and wins. Love your memories here, gorgeous photos of you and all the people that surround you with love and support. Thats what its all about.
LikeLike
I’ve seen lots of folks declaring what a horrible year 2016 was. In nearly every case they make that claim because of the number of celebrities who died. Of course humanity is diminished when an artist dies, but I don’t think we can judge a year based on celebrity deaths. How many mothers survived childbirth in 2016? How many children had safe drinking water for the first time? As you say, most of the world would cheerfully trade places with us. 2016 wasn’t perfect by any stretch. But it was probably the best year ever. And 2017 will be even better!
Happy New Year Diana!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Bill. Happy New Year to you and yours as well! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLike
Heartwarming post, Diana. Gratitude makes all the difference. 😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
That it does Jennifer! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
You take great photos Diana and I love your positive outlook on life. I know there are some difficult paths to face in life, but you have a lot of spunk and strength in you and that is always inspiring. I look forward to 2017! 💕💚💕
LikeLike
Love the photos! Looks like a fun year for sure. May 2017 be bright & full of laughter for you. Happy New Year Diana!
LikeLike
I agree with you, I wouldn’t call it a bad year either. Every year happen bad things, famous people die as we all are,but counting your blessings is important. It is the little things which count too. We need to focus on positive things to continue to make the new year better. Wishing you a wonderful 2017, Diana ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well said Ute! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLike
I just LOVE the photos. Blessings Gavin.
LikeLike
Aww thanks Gavin! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLike
2016 does look good on you Diana 🙂
LikeLike
Why thank you very much Ms Colleen! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Diana, A blessed 2017 to you also. And that those who patronize your work may be all the better for your professionalism, dedication and compassion on their behalf.
-Alan
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a beautiful blessing from you Alan – thank you! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ok maybe there were too many deaths in 2016, we had three in our family, and that sucked but was it a bad year, I don’t know about that, it is what it was and now it is no more and who knows what 2017 will bring, not me for sure
LikeLiked by 1 person
You had 3 deaths in your family? So sorry to hear that Jo-Anne. Hugs. ❤
Diana xo
LikeLike
Great photos, Diana. Happy New Year.
LikeLike
Thanks and to you too! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLike
Great post … and thanks for including me in your blessings 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you spotted that Elizabeth! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
A beautiful and inspirational post, Diana.
LikeLike
Thanks so much April! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLike
Thanks for the positive spin on a year many of us were glad to see come to an end, Diana. I think that we will survive it all, here in the US. An optimistic view, but I hold it proudly. 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
I have no doubt my neighbours to the south will survive Van. Wishing you many blessings in 2017! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
💗 💖 💘 💝
LikeLike
💗 💖 💘
LikeLike
Here’s wishing you a 2017 filled with moments you can treasure for a lifetime,Diana.
LikeLike
(smiling) Thanks Don! ❤
Diana xo
LikeLiked by 1 person