My word ( or theme) for 2016 is...

                           JOY

 One thing that I've learned in the past few years, is to be  open and grateful for every experience that has come my way, no matter how good or bad the experience had been. I was contemplating the word gratitude, but I realized that expressing my gratitude for all experiences has become ingrained into my daily life...

Why joy? It's such a small, simple word that has a lot of positive power. It's one that can be found in the simplest of activities and every day life. Watching the birds fly around in the winter... Hello blue jays and cedar waxwings. It's gazing at the stars in the dead of winter, tracking satellites and looking for shooting stars. It's warm bread and a pot of homemade soup while its snowing outside. It's the comfort found in someone stroking your hair while you fall asleep. It's hearing children laugh as they tell you about their day. It's finding that elusive piece of blue beach glass. It's finding a quote that speaks to you soul and when you post it, others feel the same way. It's creating time for friends and family. It's a kind word for someone who's having a rough time.

My attitude makes all the difference in the world and with joy, I get to share more of it with myself but the people around me, which in turn, spreads through them. I know that every day will not be sunshine and roses, but if I look hard enough, I will find a speck of joy in something from my day.