Farewell to 2016!

Who else is ready to say farewell to the year 2016?  It was a year of mixed emotions...some triumphs, some victories, and some losses.  But by the Grace of God, we are still here.  Here are some events that happened this year that stuck with me:

- All of the talented gifts that we lost:

       * Muhammad Ali
       * Natalie Cole
       * Prince
       * Frank Sinatra
       * David Bowie
       * Gene Wilder
       * George Michael
       * Alan Thicke
       * Maurice White
   



Also, I would be amiss if I didn't mention the tragedy of losing Debbie Reynolds, and then her mother, Carrie Fisher so soon after.


- The Chicago Cubs broke their 71 year curse by winning the 2016 World Series

- The death of Fidel Castro

- The January 4th and January 7th crashes of the China
   stock market

- Donald Trump wins the presidential election !@#$

- Colby Bryant's retirement


These are just some highlights that stand out as I reflect on all that transpired.

As the year comes to a close, I encourage you to ask yourself the following questions.  I do not believe in "resolutions." However, this process will help you to start thinking about what you're creating for yourself and your life in 2017:

1)  What goals did you set for yourself in 2016 that actually became realities?

2)  What goals did you set for yourself in 2016 that you did not meet?  If these goals are still important to you, then make a new promise as to when you will accomplish  them over the course of next year.  As long as we are living and breathing, we can start again, and/or keep trying.

3)  What are your top five events of the year?

4)  What accomplishment are you most proud of?

5)  What are the greatest lessons you learned this year?

6)  Who or what were your greatest influences?

7)  What were your most important relationships?

8)  If you could sum up this year in one word, what would it be?

9)  What are you going to do less of this year?

10) What are you going to commit to do more of this year?

I have been very blessed this year, and I am forever grateful for all of the amazing experiences I've had.  Even though there are things that I wanted to accomplish that did not come into fruition, I am thankful for the things that I actual have been able to accomplish during 2016.

Let us start the New Year off with a grateful heart, a positive outlook, and a clean slate (letting go of the weight of the events of that past that we are not pleased with).

Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!!