Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.

- Hamilton Wright Mabie

And now let us believe
in the new year that is given us -
new, untouched, full of things
that have never been.

- Ranier Maria Rilke

The holiday season, from Thanksgiving through the New Year, is a time of heightened awareness - of gratitude, hope, peace, joy, giving, and of possibililty.

Perhaps it was a leaner holiday season for some this year, given the economic crunch we find ourselves in at the moment. If so, I believe it is a blessing. It has given us the opportunity to tone down the more commercial aspects of the holidays and to focus on the things that really matter most - family, friends, spirituality, music, lights, beauty, celebration, laughter, remembering, communicating, catching up on the news - or whatever truly matters most to you.

This has been a season to be truly thankful for. And in that spirit, click on the link below to enjoy this beautiful song and video - Thankful, sung by Josh Groban.

In the event that you cannot access the musical version, here are the lyrics:

Somedays, we forget to look around us.
Somedays, we can't see the joy that surrounds us.
So caught up inside ourselves,
we take when we should give.

So for tonight we pray for,
what we know can be,
and on this day we hope for,
what we still can't see.

It's up to us, to be the change,
and even though we all can still do more,
there's so much to be Thankful for.

Look beyond ourselves,
there's so much sorrow;
it's way too late to say, I'll cry tomorrow.
Each of us must find our truth;
it's so long overdue.

So for tonight we pray for,
what we know can be,
and everyday, we hope for,
what we still can't see.

It's up to us, to be the change,
and even though we all can still do more,
there's so much to be thankful for.

Even with our differences,
there is a place were all connected.
Each of us can find each others light.

So for tonight, we pray for
what we know can be,
and on this day, we hope for
what we still can't see.

It's up to us, to be the change,
and even though this world can still do so much more
there's so much to be thankful for.

Note: If the link to this version of the song no longer exists, then do an internet search to find a different version. There are several out there.

What symbolizes the world of possibility more than the start of a new year - any new calendar year or a birthday? For most of us, January 1st is the ultimate symbol of new beginnings. This is a magical time, a special time of hope, or, as Rilke puts it, a time that is "new, untouched, full of things that have never been."

This year, we all face many challenges. On a national and global level, these include political, economic, and natural world challenges. On a personal level, many of you could be facing other challenges as well.

Yet, there is always hope and unforseen possibilities. On January 20th, we will be experiencing an unprecedented political transition in our country, and with it comes the hope that our new president and new leadership will be able to solve many of these problems. Yet, we must remember that at a governmental level, change comes slowly, and one man, however gifted, cannot solve all our problems.

The real gift of this new year is the opportunity given to each one of us to learn how to handle change effectively, to use the challenges we face for learning and growth, and not as an excuse for giving up and sinking into ennui and despair.

The words from the song Thankful remind us that it up to each one of us to be the change we seek.

So, what does this New Year, full of hope and possibility, call YOU to do, be, or learn? Perhaps it's a lesson in money management? Or a re-examination of your values and priorities? Or an experience of "being the change" in your own unique way? Or perhaps it's a new trail to blaze or a deepest dream to be realized?

This new year stretches out before us, as the blank pages in a new journal, the new, untrodden snowfall, or the artist's blank canvas. We start afresh, begin again, apply ourselves the best way we know how to creating the life we want for ourselves, for our families and friends, for the earth and all her creatures.

So, go into this new year with joy, anticipation, hope, imagination, and the intention to design your life anew, in the image of your dreams - always remembering to be thankful for what you already have.

What life lessons might you learn from playing a game of computer solitaire? Check out Connie's blog article, On Winning: 25 Life Lessons Learned from Playing Free Cell. A short excerpt follows. To read the complete piece, click on the link below.

From the time I first began playing Free Cell five years ago to now, my ratio of winning:losing has increased enormously. When I first started playing, I rarely won a game. Now, I rarely lose. Today I began to think about why that is so and about how much I have learned while playing Free Cell. For the fun of it, I jotted down some of the things I have learned by playing this game. Then came the big AHA! - the moment when I saw the parallels between winning at the game of Free Cell and winning at the game of Life!

And now - to justify my habit - I am passing on these insights to you: 25 life lessons I learned from playing Free Cell:

This interactive entrepreneurial readiness workshop is for you, if you are...

• ...considering starting a new business.
• ... already running your own business, but are wondering if you wish to continue with it.
• ... in a job, but are concerned about possible layoffs and wish to explore your options.

Details:

Date: Saturday, January 24, 2009
Time: 9am - 11am
Place: The Enterprise Center at Salem State College
121 Loring Avenue, Salem, MA
Fee: none

To register: Contact The Enterprise Center at info@enterprisectr.org or call 978-542-7528.

LifeWork Letter is a complimentary monthly e-Newsletter from Connie Komack and LifeWork Enterprises, with tips, quotes, and short articles designed to enrich, empower, and forward the growth of your life, career, or business.

Feel free to share this newsletter with others. It is easy to do by clicking on the forward email link at the bottom of this newsletter.

As always, I invite you to visit my blog site and to read the articles on transition, change, and re- designing your life that are posted there.

Thank you for reading my newsletter and/or blog articles. Your readership is most appreciated and valued. I hear from many of you each month, and I always enjoy and benefit from your feedback. So please keep it coming.