Dealing with Change and New Beginnings

I walk around our neighborhood a couple of times a week. One house I pass is one of my favorites; very comfortable and serene looking and the owner always decks it out for each holiday with appropriate decorations. For Halloween, she has statues and spiders, and ghoulish things around the well-attended front yard. There is always an angel sitting in a big chair and wonderful baskets hanging from the large Banyan tree. At Christmas time, a life-size Santa stands near the front door, there are poinsettia plants everywhere and beauty on display. I always look forward to walking by this house during the holidays, even on the Fourth of July the house is decked out in red, white and blue. I understand the owner sells/sold something on HSN.  Well, this year it's different. There is a for sale sign in front and for the first time in the 11 years when I walk by, there are no decorations, just the fall wreaths on the door - kind of sad. Is she sick; has she passed away? 

So today when I walked by, what  showed up for me was how fast things can change direction, many times without our permission. Because this is the last week of 2011, very appropriate to think about this as we complete the year and reflect on the lessons and gifts. 2012 will start with a clean slate; new page, opportunity to continue to grow, thrive, change, embrace new ways of being and doing. And because we don't know from one day to the next, if something is going to happen without our permission, BE with the day. Have your plans, goals and aspirations in place but be present in the moment and be grateful for the most important parts of your life and look for the clues that will help you thrive on your journey. Practice staying present in the moment and enjoy the day as it unfolds. After all, we are human beings NOT human doings. It takes practice but if you put your mind to focusing on the present moment, it will become easier (some say 21 days of practicing will make habits become part of your life) and easier. Think about this - what is the significance of being present in the moment?