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The final day of 2023. We greet December 31st knowing a new year awaits us around the corner tomorrow.

Before we say goodbye to the past 365 days, I find it helpful to reflect on what has been gifted to us, and then to explore further and honestly, if we have chosen to open the gifts or toss them aside if they were not 'wrapped' in a way we had imagined.

The past year offered gifts of both sides of that coin in my own life - some I recognized and couldn't wait to open and others came wrapped in the most precariously unwelcomed wrappings that I initially thought they were designed to thwart my efforts to move forward; however, that is the task we are given - can we find the gift?, because indeed, there is one to be found. 

Underneath the unwanted events, time-delaying detours and hiccups we must navigate to enjoy the life we love are gifts designed to help us grow that if we choose to apply the lessons will be insurance in future years for much more comfort, peace and calm. As Rumi reminds, "What you seek is seeking you", but we have to be brave enough, and flexible enough as well as relinquish our stubbornness to welcome the gifts that have been given to us so that we can, in the future, what we seek. 

How we navigate through each year is up to us. No, we cannot control the weather, but we can choose what we drive, how we drive and when we drive. The vehicle being our state of mind, and if we choose to develop the skills of contentment, we travel with true contentment as our vehicle. This concept is something I address in my third book and will expand in great detail in the upcoming Contentment Master Class video course, but to set us off in the most constructive direction for 2024, keep in mind that while we cannot control all, the truth is, we wouldn't want that responsibility, so that is something to be grateful for as well.

And we can control, when we realize we can, and how to do so well, the ingredients of our tools and skills utilized create a most delicious everyday life to savor. 

So many mixed metaphors I know, but the key to remember is nourish yourself, and remember that nourishing includes continuing to learn. Apply the knowledge you receive, and each day becomes more enriched and deeply fulfilling. 

In the final newsletter of 2023, along with all of the regular monthly posts, you will find 10 additional posts, one containing my favorite books of the year as well as the TOP Posts in nine different categories for the year that was on TSLL. 

And a heads up, if you are not a member of TSLL (BASIC or TOP), be sure to explore the limited low price for a BASIC membership that will only be available until January 3rd (currently $2.50/month with the yearly membership, and $3/month) as it will increase to $4.50/mo on January 4th. With now only two complimentary posts for non-members, I don't want you to miss your favorite posts, and save money while you are at it. Learn more about these changes announced earlier in December here in a detailed post. 

Wishing you a wonderful start to the new year, but before 2024 begins, to the newsletter! Thank you for subscribing, and I do hope you enjoy. Until the final day in January (Wednesday), the 31st, I will see you on the blog!

—Shannon

~To explore every post you wish to read, be sure to become a member to one of the two tiers - BASIC or TOP as non-members can only read two complimentary posts a month (it will reset on the first of each month - tomorrow!).