We are in the second week of the year 2007 and some things are continuing just where they left off; most things being negative of course.   The country had its first murder recorded in the early hours of January 1^st and Junkanoo groups are not satisfied with their placements in the New Year’s Day Parade.

            While the first is more serious and the later many consider trivial, they are both the extremes by which we live our lives and are examples or perhaps portrayals of who we are and what is important enough to make the headlines each day.

            The television continues to subject us, who choose to watch, to the vociferous and vile comments strewn back and forth between Donald Trump and Rosie O’Donnell in the name of entertainment. Yes, we have entered a new year, but much of the baggage, or perhaps I should say garbage, has been brought forward to be scattered around for yet another year.

            While such cancerous activities and events take place around us, there is no need for us to become infected.   We can protect ourselves if we want to, but it must be our choice.   Many people use the month of January to make changes and/or adjustments in their lives.   The scales are dusted off and placed prominently near the bed while cookies, chocolates and all other comfort foods are stashed further back into the cupboards.

            We make ceremonial gestures to appease family members, but mostly we do these things to fool ourselves into believing that we really will make a change for the better this new year.    We really truly do believe at the time that we will follow through and fulfil all of the goals neatly written on the list, but then before we know it, it is March and we have already fallen off the proverbial wagon.

            Now if this all sounds very pessimistic to you, you are on the right track; and you are not easily deterred from your goals.   This year, as in the past, there will be many naysayers in your midst, trying to discourage you.   However, you must remain steadfast to what you want to achieve.

            If you have been on this earth for more than twenty years, you know that a lot of hard work must go into accomplishing anything you want.   Logically then, if you worked really hard for something, planned accordingly and followed all the golden rules, it should then all fall into place.   Well, it doesn’t happen that way all the time.

            There may be stumbling blocks along the way, but some people may say those blocks were put in place to lead you on a different path to achieve the same end.   It is how you look at it.   And it is your perception of life and life’s experiences that will make you or break you this new year, and all subsequent years.

            When the entire world seems to be against you and your back is against the wall, it is usually at that precise moment when the truth will be revealed to you.   But if you are not open, if you are not ready to receive it, then it will pass you by.

            While you check off your list and reflect on your past year and the new year ahead, be sure that your list is topped off with the words ‘Searching for me.’   If there is one thing you ought to resolve to do this year is to find yourself.  

            I challenge you this week, as I have many times before, to live each day searching more deeply for the meaning of your existence.   During your search for self, you will discover many wonderful truths that will astonish and amaze you.   So jump into your life and swim towards your truth and live your life as you were called to live it.