We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day. ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce

I always find the New Year to be exciting – like a blank book, but at the same time slightly overwhelming with a full blank year ahead.  Can you relate?

Each year (which seems to go faster and faster these days), is full of possibility, excitement and heart break.  It’s just the way it goes – the good with the bad.  We will never be free from challenging times  - it’s an important part of the process.  We are all intended to go through a myriad of emotional experiences throughout our lives – it’s just the way we grow.  Taking the good from the bad.

I had a conversation recently with a friend about my philosophy of challenges being opportunities.  When I fully embraced this, it changed my life!  Guess what?  Life is challenging no matter who you are, where you live, or how much money you have.  It’s what you do with the gift of opportunity (whether easy or challenging) when you get it.

So, I challenge you to make this year different.  When a challenge comes your way this year (and it will!) really think about how many ways you can take it and make it an opportunity to grow and change your life!