Twinklle lights and more

Hello peeps. Best wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year! As you can see by the drought in communication, I took a holiday hiatus to enjoy the twinkle lights and so much more.

I LOVE white twinkle lights! And this past holiday offered lots of opportunity to appreciate them. To me, twinkle lights represent hope, love, joy, and all things sparkly, beautiful and good. This holiday my life was filled with white twinkle lights — both in reality and metaphorically.

From Thanksgiving to this day, I have been immersed in twinkle lights. From a special someone filling his house with them, to decorating my house with lights in every room for Christmas, to Christmas light viewing tours in the neighborhood, to  standing in middle of Rice Park in downtown Saint Paul showered in lights. I have found light in friendship, time with family, and in expressing love to all those who mean so much.

White twinkle lights help me realize how blessed I am. They are a symbol of gratefulness for all of the love and joy, health and happiness I have experienced this past year. All the amazing firsts. They remind me to appreciate the little things and not take anything for granted.  To live in the moment. To be present where and with whom I am…always. They give me hope for peace and happiness for all in my life, in my communities, and around the world. When I see the little tiny sparkles all adding up to a great shiny light, it gives me a sense of joy and hope for the future combined with gratitude for the moment. And that is the greatest gift.

I have several blogs in the works for this New Year but none made it out of the computer these past two weeks as I have been living and experiencing the love, joy, gratitude and happiness the lights represent with those around me. Finally, along with some of my closest friends, I pray for hope and good health in 2014. Hope that this new year brings greater health and happiness and less personal struggle — which they each so richly deserve.

I share this short reflection with you today because I am grateful for you. I have hope for each of you. And I wanted you to know that when I am surrounded by white twinkle lights – each of you who read this blog and comment here, and support my journey as well as forge ahead in your own – are close at heart. I wish for you joy, happiness, love and health in 2014.
Thank you for the gift of your presence here.

Hugs,

Lori

As I looked past at my blog hits this past year, these were some of your favorites.

My word is love. LOVE in 2013!

One brave thing and One brave thing, part 2

One year sans 200 lbs, my new reality

How I got this body. Climbing high and losing weight (Star Tribune).

I am not perfect, and it’s okay

In the equation and my Before and After

Food and addiction, research and hope