Happy New Year

by Leksands Gästhem

Hmmmm. A little late aren’t I? Well not so late – it is still January, and the Chinese only celebrated their new year this week, year of the Black Water Dragon if I’m not mistaken, sounds exciting any way. 2012 sounds exciting too. I hope it will be a good year for all. I am convinced that it will be a great year for us at least.

So I trust that you have all had a good Christmas and New Year? I’m not so much for the whole commercialism myself, but I like the spirit in brings out in us. Most are at least willing to offer a smile if nothing else. I like to believe the world would be a better place if we could at least smile at those we meet daily. And I wonder what would happen if everyone participated in a random act of kindness each day? I’m pretty sure we would change the world. Happiness and kindness have a way of spreading to us all. I for one know that if a stranger offers a simple smile, greeting or kind word, it can totally change my day around. The greatness of human spirit is often underestimated.

Why am I babbling about this I hear you ask? Not sure really. I guess it is because I was thinking about new years resolutions, which is actually something I find kind of weird. I don’t really like the process of forcing a resolution onto one self just because of the time of year, only to let yourself or others down if you do not keep it. My advice, skip the new years resolution, and just try be positive about something that has been bothering you instead. If you want to make a ‘resolution’ or promise to yourself (or others), do it at any time of the year! But do it when you are ready for it, when the time is right.

2012 for me is about thinking more positively. Focus on my goals and dreams. And random acts of kindness – as many as I can, as often as possible.

And keep smiling – even when it’s tough!