And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been. – Rainer Maria Rilke

A new year – a blank slate.

Full of opportunities to create something that has never been.

To open ourselves up to new experiences.

Make it a great day.

Jake

New year, new you.

Part of changing over the calendar is the idea that other things need to change as well.

And they probably do.

You probably eat too much or swear too much or don’t exercise enough or whatever.

But there are more than a few things about that aren’t so bad.

Probably even one or two (or more) that are pretty special.

Just because the calendar changed – don’t think you need to change it all.

Make it a great day.

Jake

https://youtu.be/i6eLIHcdDWY

Maturity moment from T Swizzle – I’m the problem – it’s me.

End of the year this weekend. Good time to take stock of how things are going – really.

Maybe look at each area of your life and give a quick letter grade – physical, spiritually, financially, relationally, work, etc. Honest answers only.

THE GOOD NEWS – you are also the solution.

You are capable and can change those grades. You have what it takes. You don’t need anything else to get started. You can’t do it alone, help is available.

YOU ARE WORTH IT. All of it. The pain and disappointment you are feeling now and the discipline, joy and peace that await you on the other side of positive change.

Make it a great day.

Jake

When the New Year comes around, you hear a lot about New Year’s resolutions.

Most of what is written is about how to set the goals better, how to increase your chances, etc.

They all start out with some statistic about how some really high percentage of resolutions are dropped by the end of January (86% of statistics are made up on the spot).

It almost seems like their goal is to either have you do it their way or just skip it.

Not me. Not this year.

Set some New Year’s resolutions.

Set a lot of them if you feel like it.

Don’t focus on the statistics that say 90% won’t make it, focus on the 10% that will.

Think positive.

You got this.

No reason you can’t be in the 10%.

And if you don’t make it, I’m sure you will be better off anyway.

If you need any help – check out what Kid President has to say – https://youtu.be/GQOcEDD5hR8.

Make it a great day.

Jake

Accept what people offer. Drink their milkshakes. Take their love. – Wally Lamb

It is better to give than receive.

Most of us have heard of this part of the equation. In fact, most people I know (I’m spoiled) are actually quite good at this.

While it may be better to give – it is still good to receive.

To be open to the generosity of others.

In order for others to experience the goodness of giving – someone must be willing to receive.

And how we receive that generosity impacts the joy they are able to experience.

Make it a great day.

Jake

PSA – this does not apply to criminals or drug dealers or those who wish to do you wrong – you should not receive openly from those who don’t have your best interest at heart.

Cherish your human connections: your relationships with friends and family. – Joseph Brodsky

Cherish – what a great word to describe the Christmas memories.

Put them in a special place and cherish them.

Use them to inspire more kindness and warmth over the next year.

Think of them when you’re feeling like there is no point.

Make it a great day.

Jake

A central message of Christmas is Hope.

In the Northern hemisphere Christmas happens near the darkest day of the year. Christmas symbolizes this hope that even when things are at their darkest, hope remains.

Hope that in spite of all of our imperfections, humanity is worthy of a hope that we can and will be better in the future.

Christmas reminds us that we are worth saving – there is hope for us yet.

In spite of all of our imperfections and idiosyncrasies and those of everyone close to us – we are capable of moving towards something better.

In spite of COVID and all of the other physical risks and heartaches – we are capable of being made whole.

In spite of all the hate and evil in the world – love will win out in the end.

In spite of even death itself – we have the opportunity to live on in the memories of others and together in Christ in Heaven.

Be full of hope this Christmas season – you are worth saving.

Merry Christmas.

Jake

Vanity working on a weak head, produces every sort of mischief. – Jane Austen

When we let ourselves lean into our selfish comparisons and self-centered thoughts – we produce mischief of every sort.

What traps might vanity be leading you in to?

What mischief might be avoided?

Make it a great day.

Jake

“The load, or weight, or burden of my neighbor’s glory should be laid daily on my back, a load so heavy that only humility can carry it, and the backs of the proud will be broken.” – C S Lewis

CS Lewis always seems to get me with his challenges to humility.

This one in particular seemed a particular challenge.

I’m hoping that Christmas will inspire me to take on this challenge this year. To be focused on the glory of my neighbor. To put others always above myself in my daily to dos.

At Mavidea and Maxlider we’re lucky enough to have customers and coworkers to work with. They provide a daily opportunity to work towards the ideal described above.

The end of the year will go quickly. It will be easy to slip into ego, pride and selfishness as we go about our work.

Don’t fall in to the trap. Don’t let your back be broken with pride.

Make it a great day.

Jake

https://youtu.be/DLT9dSt8cwg

Reminder for all of us – Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy!

We’re supposed to be smiling, laughing and happy.

It’s hard, I know.

It’s easy to get busy, stressed out and anxious.

Create some space for joy this Christmas. Take a walk. Watch a funny Christmas movie. Focus on the giving.

Merry Christmas.

Jake

Here’s a fun video to maybe put a smile on your face….https://youtu.be/ycVc1jsaAA0