What's Goin On

Happy New Year to you all!

This time is always a bit of strain for so many people.  To me, it's always been a bit of an anti-climax. I can remember festive periods gone by when everything seemed to slow down, people had fun and enjoyed some rest and some time with friends and family. It was a time where many people had a chance to reflect and think about the year ahead. This seems to be almost impossible today because of the crazy pace of life we live. There are so many pressures in this commercial world we live in.  I couldn't believe, on Christmas Eve, reading a newspaper advert for a sale in a big store that was starting on Christmas day on-line. What's going on?

In the past, I've gone away at this time of year and had a quiet time escaping the parties and spending some quiet time with close friends. I always take time to think about the year ahead and focus on what's important.

"What's Going On" is a song by Marvin Gaye, it's about the difficulties and hardships people face in this sometimes mad, bad and crazy world. One of the lines in the song is "there's got to be another way"

So let me ask you, "What's going on in your life?" and "How do you feel about your life?" These might seem like deep questions but what I am encouraging you to do is to reflect and ponder about your life and what's important to you. Check out my mini-guide to a great 2008 because there is another way:

 

What about you? Have you got anything that you think would be fundamental to making your '08 Great? I look forward to your comments...

Take care,
Pete

Comments :
Silvia's Gravatar Pete, what a good message. The big project for the coming months is to SHUT UP THE DUCK and live free. Don't need to get angry or upset with the duck, just SHUT him UP. I think this is the great lesson from your book LIFE DIY which I am so much enjoying.

Life can be so much better with the duck silenced. I had two experiences on the last day of the year. First, there were guests and I was not as ready as I should be. And we have such a good time despite "Mrs Manners" thinking I was wrong. So when the voice begun talking "you should have done this and that" I simply shut it up and moved on. Next, someone called me up and said things that hurt me. The duck was away (as I have silenced it)so I was free to see what was really happening. The person was in a very low mood. She has suffered so much in past years and is quite sensitive to others problems. She called up again to ask me to forgive her. There was nothing to forgive. I just tried my best to help her feel better for the "Reveillon".

By the way I live in a farm and six little beautiful wood ducks were born on December 30. They are lovely!
# By Silvia | 01/01/08 20:27
Pete's Gravatar Hi Silvia, it's nice to hear from you again. I had to look up 'le réveillon' on google... it's seems like a lovely tradition.

I'm so glad you're getting on so well with The Duck... It's most interesting you said "I was free to see what was really happening" - that's great!

May your six little wood ducks give you further reminders when you need them (*if* you need them) :)
# By Pete | 01/01/08 21:54
Silvia's Gravatar I'm sorry. I live in Brazil, a Portuguese-speaking country.
Reveillon - Wikipedia:
In Portuguese-speaking countries, it is a designation for the party preceding the New Year's Day. The name of this dinner is based on the word réveil (meaning "waking"), because participation involves staying awake until midnight and beyond.
# By Silvia | 02/01/08 03:35
Sally Parrott Ashbrook's Gravatar It's funny--I miss the end of my work vacation, but for me (and a lot of people like me), the holidays are stressful and the end of them is a bit of a relief.
# By Sally Parrott Ashbrook | 02/01/08 19:49
ElasticWaist's Gravatar Pete, your suggestions for living well in the new year are such good ones! thank you!
# By ElasticWaist | 03/01/08 20:56
Pete's Gravatar Thanx Weetabix and Co. I'm loving your Daily Specials :)
# By Pete | 05/01/08 00:47
Debbie Stratford's Gravatar Thanks Pete so much for your encouragement and what better time than New Year to look at your life and see if you want to change anything. I'm changing it because today I'm on Day 1 of your programme. I shall be 50 this year and people always say I don't look it but I was beginning to feel it, so this is the year to get in control of my life and a big part of that is my eating and weight. I also want to challenge myself physically and mentally so that I understand myself better so I've just signed up for a Boot Camp in April. Bring it on. I know it's only Day 1 but I'm feeling really motivated.
# By Debbie Stratford | 16/01/08 08:42
Pete's Gravatar Hi Debbie, thanks for dropping by. Go You! I hope 08 is GREAT for you. Enjoy the programme. Please tell me more about your 'Boot Camp' in April. Take Care, Pete
# By Pete | 16/01/08 09:51

Special thanks to Raymond Camden for this blog platform: BlogCFC.