Always a Constant

Start with smiles, a generous share, then blend in warmth and laughter. Add lots of happy memories that will last forever after. Don't forget the patience for the days when things go wrong. Add a sense of humor and a trust that's deep and strong. Garnish with some compliments, lovingly expressed... And there you have it - a recipe for friendship at its best!

The year passes by ever so quickly that its hard to imagine that 2008 comes beckoning. Taking a pause to reflect on what I've accomplished for this year, its hard to put it into words... but one thing I'm thankful for is that I was surrounded by people who matter most to me. Work wise, I get the stability I yearn for while doing what I'm passionate about.

Inspite of the fickle weather, today was truly a great day. I'm tempted to pen my thoughts down but instinctively felt that whatever feelings I hold so dear... let it remain a guarded secret in my heart. But allow me to leave you with this heart warming poem (thanks to Sandra Sturtz Hauss) - “These Are My Wishes For You”:

May you find serenity and tranquility in a world you may not always understand. May the pain you have known and the conflict you have experienced give you the strength to walk through life facing each new situation with courage and optimism. Always know that there are those whose love and understanding will always be there, even when you feel most alone. May a kind word, a reassuring touch, and a warm smile be yours every day of your life, and may you give these gifts as well as receive them. May the teachings of those you admire become part of you, so that you may call upon them.

Remember, those whose lives you have touched and who have touched yours are always a part of you, even if the encounters were less than you would have wished. It is the content of the encounter that is more important than its form. May you not become too concerned with material matters, but instead place immeasurable value on the goodness in your heart. Find time in each day to see beauty and love in the world around you. Realize that what you feel you lack in one regard you may be more than compensated for in another. What you feel you lack in the present may become one of your strengths in the future.

May you see your future as one filled with promise and possibility. Learn to view everything as a worthwhile experience. May you find enough inner strength to determine your own worth by yourself, and not be dependent on another's judgment of your accomplishments. May you always feel loved.