I Heart the Winter

(Photo: Pinterest)

With all this complaining about winter on the news and internet, I can't help but smile. Yes, I agree that long commutes and the extreme cold can be a battle, however I feel blessed to be able to experience all of the seasons.

Everyone needs to embrace the change and remember that snowfall is only temporary. Here are some reasons why I love winter:

Various colors and patterns of scarves, gloves, and fuzzy hats

Hot chocolate!

Looking outside of my window and admiring the calm and peaceful view

A fireplace and a book make the perfect couple

Wardrobe change-boots, heavy knit sweaters, and stylish peacoats

Christmas and Valentines Day-the sweetest holidays

Staying in more and putting my social calendar on hiatus

A plush, comfy throw while watching a movie

Eating comfort foods to satisfy and warm the belly

Going to games and watching the triple B's; Bulls, Blackhawks, and Bears.

What do you love about the winter?

Happy New Year!!

One of my dearest friends sent this to me. I wanted to share this email with all of you because if we all begin or continue accomplishing the following--we will be starting off 2012 in the right direction!

HANDBOOK 2012

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that
is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2011.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their
journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead
invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her
mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems
are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like
algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...

Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends
will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come....
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.