“If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things of nature have a message that you understand, rejoice, for your soul is alive.” Eleonora Duse

This time of year can be hectic, stressful and squeezed. Yet in order to create a new year-not just a repetition of the past- it’s important to reflect.

To reflect not only on the expected good things that happened, the unexpected challenges which can turn out well by leading us to a new path or realisation, but also and perhaps most especially, on those small moments of joy which fed our soul.

I

can think of a few; an unexpected panorama or beautiful view as you turn the corner on a walk or bike ride, the vibrant happiness and mayhem of the local schoolchildren (including my grandchildren) on the last day of the school year, allowing a work of art to penetrate the soul and stimulate the creative imagination, the purr of a contented cat or snores of a dog dreaming chasing dreams.

Then there’s all those mercurial moments of the wild and angry beauty of mother nature; the brewing of a storm or a brilliant orange sunset.

And of course there’s the power of a well chosen word, which brings me to you.

Your comments and sharing have touched me on many occasions and brought me joy. They have also led me to see the topic from a new angle or learn about another blogger’s life and values. This has truly enriched my life.

It’s the small things that matter most and we have to consciously look for and appreciate them, particularly when we are bombarded by the constant streams of negativity which permeate our world.

May your 2019 be your best year yet full of those small moments of joy.