
Happy, Happy New Year!
I hope your holidays were wonderful in spite of last year’s tumultuous reputation. We enjoyed two long weekends and the festivities, even though quieter than in past years. We missed the big, noisy, family gatherings, but everyone is healthy, so we couldn’t ask for more.
Those who know me well, know that I love sunrises and sunsets, so I had to share a new photo from a recent walk with Copper. Another awe-inspiring sunrise for the rebirthing of a New Year. And speaking of a new year and motivation to reorganize, I am sharing a Balance Sheet of Life (below) that I received from my sister. It has traveled through an email thread, so I don’t know where it originates from. But I thought it offered great food for thought as we begin a new year with optimism that life will be more peaceful for all. I hope you find this balance sheet helpful.
Do any of these concepts stand out for you? Would you care to share?
I’ll go first to break the ice. 🙂 Last year, worry and fear took up too much rent space in my head, so my goal is to evict them with gusto! Following their eviction comes Peace of Mind.
On a creative note as I lay the groundwork for a new book, I plan to focus on the two most power-filled words, “I Can!”
Now if you feel like sharing, it’s your turn! I’d love to hear how this Balance Sheet of Life might benefit you in this new year.

BALANCE SHEET OF LIFE:
- The most destructive habit………Worry
- The greatest joy………………..Giving
- The greatest loss….Loss of self-respect
- The most satisfying work…..Helping Others
- The ugliest personality trait…..Selfishness
- The greatest “shot in the arm”…….Encouragement
- The greatest problem to overcome……Fear
- The most effective sleeping pill……..Peace of Mind
- The most crippling failure disease……..Excuses
- The most powerful force in life……….Love
- The most dangerous act…..Gossip
- The world’s most incredible computer….The Brain
- The worst thing to be without…………Hope
- The deadliest weapon………………………..The Tongue
- The two most power-filled words………I Can!
- The greatest asset………………….Faith
- The most worthless emotion……….Self-pity
- The most beautiful attire……………Smile
- The most prized possession………………Integrity
- The most powerful channel of communication…..Prayer
- The most contagious spirit…………..Enthusiasm
LIFE ends when you stop DREAMING.
HOPE ends when you stop BELIEVING.
LOVE ends when you stop CARING.
So please share this BALANCE SHEET OF LIFE.
FRIENDSHIP ends when you stop SHARING.
“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
~ C.S. Lewis

WISHING YOU ALL BRIGHTER DAYS AHEAD, THE COURAGE TO MAKE THE CHANGES NECESSARY FOR YOUR WELL-BEING, AND MANY HUGS TO COME! Lauren xo
Happy New Year Lauren. Looking forward to reading ‘Finding a Balance’ while you plan your new book.
Thanks, Balroop! I wanted to finish the book last year, but we all know how 2020 went. So new goals for the new year!
Lol Lauren, we do know how that went. My book sits finished awaiting me now to do the front and back matter. Finishing the book and edits this year was grueling. Cheers to us and eventual new books. And I love the list. I need to conquer quite a few on the list still. ❤ xx
Happy new year!
Thank you! 🙏🏻
Happy New Year! ✨
Thanks, Bette! ❤️🌟
I love your balance sheet. I’m still working on the accounting, but am hoping for a good year ahead.
Thanks, Andrew, and I’m doing the same. Good luck with that accounting. 🙂
I like the balance sheet. I can say every one of those elements has come to fore at one time or another. The major lesson is to try and control those things we can and let go of those we can’t. Happy New Year
Thanks, John. I’m glad you do and I agree about the major lesson you mentioned. That is key and also difficult to follow through with at times. Try, try again, though, right? 🙂 Happy New Year!
Yup. Quitting is not an option
Not at all!
Happy New Year, Lauren!
Thanks, Jill! 🥰
Excellent advice there. Happy New Year 🙂
I’m glad you think so, too, Ian. Happy New Year!
What a wonderful welcome to 2021, my dearest Lauren! Here’s to regaining our balance! 🤗😘❤🥂
Thanks so much, Marina, and YES to regaining our balance in this new year. Hope all is well with you and your hubby. 🙂 Hugs 💗🥂🎉
We’re hanging in there, my dearest Lauren! Many many more hugs your way! xoxoxoxo❤️🤗
Good to hear, Marina, and that’s all we can do. 💓🤗💓🤗
💖❤💖
❤ ❤ Lauren ❤
Thanks for the love, Jane. Much love and many wishes to you for a wonderful, balanced New Year! 💓🥂✨
Happy New Year, Lauren! I try not to worry as I have a big stockpile of chocolate to get me through the first part of this year which I think might be tough.
Thanks, Binky, and that is a great plan! I have to confess that I indulged (probably too much) in chocolate over the holidays. Now it’s time to cut back a bit. 😁 Happy New Year!
Lauren, a very Happy New Year to you and your bubbly positive post is a balm to the soul! The sunset is stunning and what a gift to witness these on a regular basis! Good luck with your book and I look forward to learning more during the year. I like the balance sheet of life and agree with them all! Whilst trying to be upbeat and optimistic it is proving tough at the moment with the crises here in the UK – a very dark and frightening mood across the country. We are hunkering down for a few months yet again, trying to keep safe and well. Here is to a better 2021 as Spring approaches. hugs xx
Thanks so much for your upbeat and wonderful words, Annika. They are perfect medicine to start my day. I agree in that it is hard to stay optimistic in this Covid culture. Just take care of yourself and we are doing the same. Our daughter and husband had Covid in December, but thankfully, it was mild and they are fine now. It was scary, though, and we still pray there are no negative affects in the near future. Anyway, one day at a time as we hunker down. Many hugs and much love to you, my friend. 💗💗💗
That’s a nice forward! All the best for your book, Lauren! Stay blessed and have a lovely New Year. ❤️😊🙏🤗💐
Thanks so much, Diana! Wishing you the same, my friend. 💖🎉✨🌻
That was a great post and lovely photo, Lauren! I think I’ll print off the Balance sheet as a daily reminder. All the best for you and yours in 2021. 🙂
Thanks so much, Mark! I’m glad you find the Balance sheet helpful, too. Have a wonderful weekend and I appreciate your visit. 😊 Lauren
Thanks for such an inspiring post, Lauren! Lots to contemplate.
Sorry I’m behind reading blogs….
Love and hugs to you and yours
🤗💓💖
Thanks, Betty, and no worries! I’m in the same boat. 🙂 Love and hugs to you, too, and fingers crossed. 💗🌻🙏
Yes, fingers crossed. 🤞
I hope your daughter and son-in-law have completely recovered from Covid, Lauren. 💗💗
They’re fine and healthy now, Betty, thanks for checking in. One day at a time seems to be the mantra for so many reasons. The world is scarier than ever before. Stay safe, dear friend. xoxo
Yes, it’s one day at a time for sure these days — on all fronts. It’s all so unpredictable what will happen next but I’m trying hard to remain hopeful. 🙏 Take good care, Lauren. Love to you and your family. ❤