As 2015 comes to a close, I like to reflect back on the year and think about what I’ve accomplished. To be honest, it’s hard to pinpoint anything tangible that I’ve accomplished, but I can tell you two things that I’ve been focusing my attention on this past year.
(1) I’ve been spending my time more deliberately. This year, I’ve tried to do more to help those in need by cooking for them, working out with them, giving them a call to see how they’re doing, and visiting them. There’s no price tag that can be put on the time you give another person when they need it most. As a dear friend put it bluntly to me a number of years ago when I thought I was “too busy” to help a woman with cancer, “Time is what you make it. If you make someone a priority, you can make the time.” Those words hit me hard when she said it, and ever since, I consciously choose to give my time freely to those around me.
(2) I’ve put on a different lens and see people differently. We are all creations of God. It doesn’t matter what you look like, how old you are, what job you have, where you live, or what you dress like. We are all people that deserve to be respected. We all have our own set of problems, but our problems are no bigger than anyone else’s. There is always someone who has bigger challenges. Recently, I listened to the heart-wrenching stories of five refugees who had resettled in Connecticut. Most of them had their entire families killed and came to this country with nothing. They spent years in refugee camps with no freedom. I have nothing to complain about after hearing their stories. I am so grateful for all that God has given me and my family, and my hope is that I can make a difference in this world, no matter how small, to make it a better place for those around me.
And now, on a lighter note, I took a look at the 2015 most pinned posts from my blog. Here are the top ten most pinned posts in 2015:
100+ Healthy Holiday Appetizers & Cocktail Party Tips
50 Easy Healthy Meatless Pasta Recipes
100 Healthy Christmas and Holiday Dessert Recipes
20 Healthy Overnight Oatmeal Recipes
20+ Healthy Easter Side Dish Recipes
15 Healthy Easter Brunch Recipes
Decadent Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake
30+ Easy Healthy College Dorm Snack Recipes
16 Clean Eating Holiday Side Dish Recipes
I’m signing off until the New Year to spend some time with my family. I hope you are having a restful holiday season and enjoying quality time with friends and family!
Such a great collection of healthy and delicious recipes, Jeanette.
Happy New Year!
Angie
Thank you Angie – wishing you a very Happy New Year too!
This is SO great!! Sounds like such a fulfilling and productive year! Happy (almost) 2016!
Thanks so much Chelsey! Happy New Year!
So many great posts – and recipes – in 2015! Can’t wait to see what 2016 brings!
Thank you Jessica! Wishing you all the best in 2016!