Signs of Hope for 2009

It has been a wonderful Christmas, filled with family all around, enjoying each others company. Nice to have most of my kids home, and that is a house full, happy chaos!

As 2008 comes to a close and we head into 2009, it is a time for reflection. Joy and thankfulness for all the good things this year has brought, lessons learned, in both life and business.

Where do I want to be in 2009?

If I could not fail, what things do I want to have happen in 2009?

What do I need to do to get from point a to point b?

Do it!

Remembering back in high school, we were discussing plans after high school. She was not enthusiastic.

“Maybe I’ll get a job at a local sewing factory, they pay a little over minimum wage.”

“So many choices and things to do” I said. “Why limit yourself to the one thing? There are many good things you can do with your life”

“Maybe for you” she said. “You can do anything, school was easy for you, me I struggle”

“So can you, you have many talents, being able to do well on a test does not mean you will do well in life, it is what you do with your own unique gifts”

“I don’t have any, and I never have any good luck” she said.

I disagreed, but I could not get her to see things otherwise. I felt like I had failed her in some way. Surely she could see endless potential. Later in life I learned that some have closed their minds to change, growth. I’ve wished I had a special can opener that would open their minds so they could see what I see. To open a mind and pour in hope, belief, dreams, knowledge of a bright future and the desire to do something about it.

Our attitude effects our life, and we’ve all heard the saying about the glass half empty or full, but I like this one better:

“Regardless if your glass is half full or half empty, it ain’t overflowing. Shatter it to pieces. Start over and fill it up completely.” Dean Hua

Lacking a mind opening can opener, so I can pour in some hope, I’m sharing some of my photos which to me are signs of hope. Click on the image at the top of this post and enjoy! Thanks to Angela Betts images of hope idea.

You can do anything you want in 2009, just find a way and do it, helping others along the way, not running them over!

24 thoughts on “Signs of Hope for 2009

  1. Awesome words! May 2009 be the best year ever!

  2. I really like the part about the ‘special can opener’… great post! Happy New Year!

  3. Awesome thoughts and beautiful images. May 2009 be your best year ever!

  4. Lovely words and photo’s Heidi…from a lovely lady.

    You will give 2009 a run for the money!

    Much love and a grand New Year~

    Bea Kunz

  5. As usual, you outdid yourself! Thanks

  6. You are so right. It starts in the mind.

  7. Beautiful Heidi. Well done. True signs of hope.

  8. “You can do anything you want in 2009”
    … and there are tons of new opportunities this year !
    Thank you, Heidi, and Happy New Year ! : )
    .

  9. Great post, Heidi. Can opener…I agree. 🙂 Fortunately, we can go around like Johnny/Janey Appleseed and drop seeds all along our way.

    I’m grateful for those Johnny/Janey Appleseed folks that dropped and are still dropping seeds into my heart and mind. Keep ’em coming…I want an orchard to grow. 🙂

  10. Heidi,
    I always love seeing your work. You are one of the best photographers and friends I know. Looks like you have mastered this new tool called Animoto. It’s all new to me. 😀

    Ginger

  11. I’m a believer that one can do anything they set their minds to do.

    Well-written blog that is thought provoking.

    Wishing you much continued success for 2009.

  12. What a powerful message in words and pics! I’m always amazed at how others see the world through their own eyes.

  13. Hi Heidi,
    You certainly have a way of expression! I love the powerful images and messages with the music setting the tone for true inspiration. THANKS for sharing this post. I even tweeted about it!

  14. How creative Heidi! I love it! Reminds me that life is beautiful no matter what is going on around us.
    Barb

  15. I agree that attitude underscores all that we do (or don’t do) in life. Thanks for your thoughtful and well written reminder and thanks also for the great quote about shattering the glass and filling it to the brim. The start of the New Year is a great time to shatter!

  16. Fantastic message, glorious & impactful images. You never cease to amaze me, Heidi. You indeed stretch for the top . . . & then surpass it.

    Message of Hope–it’s all in how we perceive life!

  17. Thanks all! Comments are much appreciated. Angela, I like that, scattering appleseeds, some will fall on fertile soil and produce orchards. I think it is much the same way with my business. Need to scatter more seeds!

    Thanks Wendyy for the tweet! I saw that and it is much appreciated. Come Monday I’m back to more of a regular schedule.

    Eileen, I’d asked Dean if I could borrow his quote, loved it when I saw it. Been saving it for New Year’s.

    Now to shatter some glasses and fill the 2009 ones overflowing!

  18. Heidi,

    Beautiful is all I can say…I love the new layout of your blog and site.

    It was great to talk to you on the phone the other day, hope the rest of your weekend was a good one, and best wishes for the New Year!

    Claudia

  19. Heidi,

    What a welcome message for me today! I love the Signs of Hope photos. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed today and for some reason, I decided to drop by your blog since I haven’t visited in a while. The Lord must have known what message I needed to hear because your post has certainly lifted me back up and reminded me that I can do whatever I set my mind to. Thanks!

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